WORK on a “pop-up park” in the centre of Winchester is almost complete.

The park, in Friarsgate, has been constructed as part of the Central Winchester Regeneration scheme, also known as Silver Hill.

The site has been constructed as a “meanwhile use” following the demolition of the Friarsgate Medical Centre earlier this year. It will leave the area a more pleasant place for people to go while wider plans are drawn up for the site.

The pop-up parkThe pop-up park (Image: Andrew Napier)

READ MORE: Plans to transform farm buildings approved by city council planners

Benches and planters have been installed, along with a small bridge and beds of wild flowers. The site also has access to the hoardings of the dig site.

Low-key and short-term archaeological work is being undertaken in the junction between Friarsgate and the entrance to the bus station. The city council rejected calls for a full-scale dig as happened at the nearby Brooks Centre in 1987-89.

A Winchester City Council spokesperson said the pop-up park is still unfinished, with more planters and seating to be installed in the coming days.

Signage and information boards will also be installed around the hoardings of the dig site.