Winchester City Council is preparing to launch a process to find a development partner for the regeneration of central Winchester next month.
The procurement process for the project, which aims to deliver new flexible offices, retail, leisure, homes and public realm, will begin on 17 March. JLL has been appointed to manage the process.
Proposals for the scheme, prepared in conjunction with Arup and JLL, involve redeveloping a bus station, Kings Walk, the former Friarsgate Medical Centre and Coitbury House.
Kelsie Learney, council cabinet member for housing and asset management, said: “Winchester now has the opportunity to reinvent itself as a place that will be more attractive to investors and occupiers, adapting for the twenty-first century, while expanding its cultural offer.
“As part of our aspiration for the city, we will be seeking a partner with the right skills, resources, commitment, approach and a proven track record with similar projects, to deliver our vision and investment objectives for the development of central Winchester.”
Jennifer Newsham, director at JLL, said: “Winchester currently represents one of the most exciting development opportunities in the UK. It is a city with a fundamentally strong market and an established base of talented people and businesses to build on. It is also a place that will – with further investment at an appropriate scale – continue to attract new talent and different types of businesses.”
Laura Taylor, chief executive of Winchester City Council, said: “Like many cities in the UK, we are having to address the challenges of reshaping our built environment to meet the needs of the 21st century.
“Our plans for [the Central Winchester Regenration] focus on sustainable development, encouraging reductions in our carbon footprint and helping to make Winchester an exemplar of carbon and environmental management.
“The proposals also serve to integrate city centre living with new workspace and a greatly enhanced retail offer, while seeking to encourage young people to stay in Winchester by offering employment opportunities and creating a more vibrant night-time economy.”
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