WINCHESTER City Council’s new development partner revealed its step-by-step plan to keep stakeholders involved with Central Winchester Regeneration (CWR) plans.
Jigsaw Consortium provided its first update on the redevelopment, centred on Silver Hill, since the city council announced the company as its chosen developer in March.
At the regeneration cabinet meeting on Wednesday, June 7, a six-month listening process was revealed with plans of drop-ins, a digital platform, stakeholder workshops and informal meetings for the developer to work with the wider community on what they want to see.
READ MORE: Winchester Silver Hill: Development partner announced
The Jigsaw Consortium is a partnership between Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Limited (Kajima and Genr8 Developments) and PfP igloo (PfP Capital and igloo Regeneration) which has worked on similar schemes in Rochdale and Newcastle.
The council’s interim place director, John East, said: “This consortium brings together four very experienced developers which have the right experience for Winchester.
“Each has different but complementary skills. We’ve made good process and expect to finalise the remaining points in the next week. Over the coming months, people will start to see things actively happening within the area.”
The formal process of paying for the delivery plan and board meeting won’t start until July, after the four partners have had an agreement signed off from their prospective boards.
In the mean time, work has started in Kings Walk to create a better visual environment by updating signage, courtyard works and making general improvements within a 12 week contract.
SEE ALSO: Central Winchester Regeneration: Works to upgrade Kings Walk begin
Further trial trenching will begin in Busket Yard, with archaeologists on site from Monday, July 3 for a four-month project with public engagement throughout.
An open archaeology day is being planned for the end of July, where archaeologists will be on site to explain the process of the digs.
Demolition of Friarsgate Medical Centre is expected to commence in early Autumn after bat licences have been secured, after which the site will become an archaeological dig area with a pop-up park.
After summarising the latest developments and plans, Mr East handed over to Jigsaw’s creative director John Nordon for the draft stakeholder engagement plan.
Mr Nordon said: “I’m really excited to be here today for what I hope is a fantastic process. This six-month listening process starts on the signing of the development but we have been listening already. We want to roll up our sleeves and get out there to meet people and listen.”
READ ALSO: Architects present viable options for Station Approach development
The consortium has met with local authorities, groups such as WinACC, Cycle Winchester and businesses in Kings Walk as well as M&S and The Brooks Centre in effort to informally introduce themselves.
This month will see the launch of regular drop-ins in Winchester and surrounding villages and the digital platform CommonPlace for Jigsaw to reach a wider audience for feedback.
Throughout the summer, the developer will host four themed stakeholder workshops based on topics such as business, culture and heritage. Youth and futures groups will also be established before the next update on October 4 where the consortium will present its initial output.
In January, Jigsaw will present the stakeholder engagement outcomes alongside the development delivery plan at the regeneration cabinet meeting.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel