WINCHESTER civic chiefs are relaunching the multi-million redevelopment of the Station Approach area.

Previous attempts, including a large office block on the corner of Station Road and Gladstone Street, were scuppered by councillor revolt, legal challenge and then the Covid pandemic.

READ MORE: EXPLAINER: The history of the Station Approach scheme

The area covers land near the railway station, from Station Road to Sussex Street and between Station Hill and Gladstone Street, known as the Carfax site.

It also includes part of Andover Road and the triangle of land next known as the Cattle Market car park between Worthy Lane and Andover Road.

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Now the city council is having another go at development and is involving Network Rail which owns land in the area including car parks. 

The potential development area also includes the Territorial Army base in Newburgh Street.

Council leader Martin Tod said: “We’re restarting the Station Approach project because there are still real opportunities to improve things in that area.

“But we’re not carrying on as we were. Covid has happened. Work and travel patterns have changed.”

Cllr Tod added: “The Movement Strategy is changing how people get around the city – including in the station area. And this time we’re talking to Network Rail and other partners to see if it’s possible to create a coherent scheme that uses both railway and city (council) land.

“If we get this right it’s a great opportunity. It will help us strengthen green travel and connect the station, city and the wider area better. It can support future ways of working and living in our city.  And it can do so in a way that respects the city and all the things that are special about it.”

In a statement, the council said: “For more than a decade, the council have wanted to make more of the station approach area – and while there’s been disagreement about previous plans that have come forward, there’s been no disagreement that there’s an opportunity to make real improvements vs. how things are today.

“There’s also been a desire to take a wider view than only the council’s landholdings. It’s impossible to produce a joined up plan for the station area without Network Rail’s involvement.

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"This is why, when approached by Network Rail and LCR we agreed to explore the possibility of working together to understand potential options for regeneration, and whether a viable, local and community driven vision can be developed on the respective sites surrounding the railway station. At this stage no decisions have been made regarding future partnerships and all parties are exploring the options.

“One lesson learned from the past is that it will be vital to work closely with local residents, businesses and stakeholders – and we have agreed that this will be at the heart of our approach going forward.

"Before any plans are drawn up or proposals put forward, the council will shortly be bringing forward a consultation and engagement programme as the first step in the project – and also laying out how it expects the rest of the plan to develop over time.”

The council is looking at market values, transport and parking to inform it ideas. A masterplan is due in 2023, a full business case in 2024 and a planning application is 2025.

A report on Station Approach will go to the council scrutiny committee on Wednesday, July 13. The council Cabinet will consider the report on Tuesday, July 19.

The previous schemes were criticised for over-development with large numbers of parking spaces. A revolt of Tory councillors in 2016 scuppered the first scheme and a second one, estimated at £150 million, was given planning permission in 2019 but withdraw the plans after a legal challenge in the High Court  by the City of Winchester Trust.

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