A KEY decision is set to be madee in the redevelopment of Winchester city centre.

The demolition of the derelict doctors' surgery in Friarsgate will be put before a council planning committee this week.

Winchester City Council has applied to demolish Friarsgate Medical Centre and instal an interim public realm as a 'meanwhile use'.

The proposal will be discussed by Winchester City Council's planning committee on Thursday May 24. The work is part of the major Central Winchester Regeneration scheme.

The council has received two objecting and three supporting comments. 

Hampshire Chronicle: Proposed Friarsgate Medical Centre public open space looking east towards the Alms Houses

A comment from the City of Winchester Trust said: “The Trust contends that this application is for an interim use and not a proposed redevelopment which will emerge when a detailed planning application is submitted for this site. The proposed interim use could exist for many years.

“The Trust has difficulty in understanding how coherent the scheme will look visually.

“The Trust questions whether the effort and investment in this interim proposal in this location is going to be worthwhile. Now that a development partner has been selected by the council, all effort and money should now be directed to securing an agreed, final adopted regeneration scheme.”

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Ian Tait, of St James Lane, said: “Whilst it is great to see something happening with this building, simply knocking it down and replacing it with some street furniture is avoiding the real underlying issue.

“Whilst I don't oppose the demolition of the existing building, I believe that it is foolhardy not to immediately proposed to replace the surgery with new housing.”

Hampshire Chronicle: Proposed Friarsgate Medical Centre public open space looking south towards the Guildhall

Alison Story-Scrivens, of Eastgate Street, said: “Regeneration of Saxon Gate is much needed and welcomed. Although we register our support to the above application, we request that WCC take full account of the following comments and questions, engaging fully with local residents for the benefit of all. 

“WCC to reassure residents of the safe removal of asbestos from the Friarsgate Surgery during the demolition process, complying with HSE regulations. WCC to monitor contractors work onsite during the demolition process.”

Bob Lakin, of Eastgate Street, said: “While having no formal objection to the proposals we would urge WCC to move forward in a spirit of cooperation with local residents. It would not be unnatural for all parties to seek the best possible social and aesthetic outcomes.

“We welcome the ambition and civic-mindedness of the project. An open space with event opportunities is to be welcomed albeit on a temporary basis. We are concerned that the new area may express the same character as the concrete picnic facility adjoining the bus station. A few coloured shapes on the ground and the general desolation rather create an ambience of 'lipstick on a pig'.”

The application has been recommended for permission and will be decided on May 24.