IT has come to my mind that with the prospect of a new development in the city centre that is being proposed, the way we live, the way we shop, is changing. 

In the past it would seem that we haven't considered the family unit. 

We have a chance to put that right. So you need diversity. There's nothing from 6pm for families with children. Where do they go? Nowhere. 

They've seen through the day, perhaps, all that the old Winchester has to offer but then there is a period of time that everything can possibly go dead usually from 6 o clock. We haven't learnt the continental way. Sell your goods. 

Eat the goods that you sell. Each person could easily live above their premises which would start to have a populace already there. That should be a criteria. 

What could we offer in this new development? Well you could have an area which could take children, not just young children but teenagers as well, where they could perhaps spend a few hours entertaining themselves with games i.e. bowling, snooker etc. You name it that could all be under one roof, especially in the winter. 

Then you could have a small library, you could have a museum with any finds of historical value on show. A toy museum. The cinema should be here. A small area for performing. Yes it could be street buskers, it could be for anyone that wanted to put a performance on, organised of course. 

What about the creative side of life? There could be something in the area. Art could be sold, there is a shortage of materials. I know because I have to go far and wide to get mine when I'm painting or for any given art form. 

There should be a wealth of things for families. You need to populate the area, as I've said and it should be stipulated, that you have living accommodation above your business. Of course you could open up the river for quiet areas. This is to reach tourists as well as young families. 

There is so much more but I haven't got the room to go any further.  Conclusion, it can't be on the cheap. 

Eileen Berry,
Priors Dean Road,
Harestock,
Winchester

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