A WINCHESTER architects' studio has presented a poetic view of their vision of Station Approach.

Design Engine, based on Coker Close, spoke to local business chiefs at a meeting organised by the Winchester BID at Hotel du Vin.

Founding director Richard Jobson and Oliver Moore presented on behalf of the studio, explaining their plans to integrate Keats's vision of the city with their plans to turn Station Approach into a lively social hub.

READ MORE: Station Approach: Winchester City Council receives update on plans

Mr Jobson explained how the romantic poet, who stayed in the city during the summer and autumn of 1819, envisaged the city as merging seamlessly into the surrounding countryside.

He said: "We don't want Station Approach just to be a place where people walk past to get to the rest of the city. We want it to be a place where people want to go to."

Partners the firm will be working with during the redevelopment include New Masterplanning, Urban Movement, Arup and Steven Bee Urban Counsel.

A concept master plan will be submitted to the cabinet for endorsement in spring 2025.

Over two centuries ago, Keats penned the following words on the cathedral city: "We removed to Winchester for the convenience of a library and find it an exceeding pleasant town, enriched with a beautiful Cathedral and surrounded by a fresh-looking country."

The Station Approach area covers the chunk of land near the railway station, from Station Road to Sussex Street and between Station Hill and Gladstone Street, known as the Carfax site, after a hotel that stood there until the 1970s. 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.

SEE MORE: Station Approach: Design Engine appointed to lead masterplan

The proposal for its development, put forward by Michael Hopkins Architects, had won a competition in 2015. The competition had been marked by several firms withdrawing because of the rules of the competition were said to be too restrictive and fees too low.

The surprise veto followed concerns around potential overdevelopment, which required large numbers of parking spaces and the demolition of the former Register Office.

In late 2023, Design Engine was appointed to lead the project, getting things back on track.

The studio has worked on a number of recognisable projects around the city, including the University of Winchester's Romsey Road campus and the visitor centre at Winchester Cathedral.