A New Chapter Unfolds: Winchester’s Silver Hill Regeneration Project Takes Shape
In a significant stride towards transforming the cityscape, Winchester City Council received an update on the much-anticipated Central Winchester Regeneration Project, specifically the Silver Hill phase, at a cabinet meeting held on February 8. Representatives from the Jigsaw Consortium, Matt Woolgar and Warrick Smither, presented their efforts to gather invaluable feedback from residents.
Engaging the Community: The Pulse of Silver Hill
The Jigsaw Consortium has been proactively engaging with the community, conducting meet-and-greet sessions and launching an online platform called Commonplace. This inclusive approach has allowed residents to voice their concerns and suggestions, shaping the project’s trajectory.
Several key themes emerged from this feedback, including pressing issues related to housing, transport, design, heritage, and culture. The consortium is committed to addressing these concerns as they move forward with the development.
Demolition and Development: A Tale of Transition
The long-awaited demolition of Friarsgate Medical Centre is now underway and is expected to be completed by the end of February. Following the demolition, the area will be converted into an open space, serving as a temporary ‘meanwhile use’ zone until development commences.
The Development Delivery Plan, a crucial milestone in the project, is slated to be presented to the cabinet in July. This will be followed by a development master plan within 9-12 months, providing a comprehensive roadmap for the Silver Hill regeneration.
Partnership and Progress: A Commitment to Change
Underpinning this ambitious project is a solid partnership between the Winchester City Council and the Jigsaw Consortium. A contract has been signed, sealing their commitment to the £100m-plus redevelopment of the city center between Friarsgate and The Broadway, encompassing the bus station and medical centers at Friarsgate and St Clements.
As the Silver Hill phase of the Central Winchester Regeneration Project continues to take shape, it promises to redefine the city’s landscape, balancing modern development with the preservation of Winchester’s rich heritage and culture.
With the community’s pulse at its heart, this project is not just about brick and mortar; it’s about creating a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive space that resonates with the people of Winchester.
As the Development Delivery Plan nears submission in July, anticipation builds for the unveiling of the master plan, which will breathe life into the collective vision of the Silver Hill regeneration.
In the interim, the completion of the Friarsgate Medical Centre’s demolition by the end of February marks a significant milestone in this transformative journey. The subsequent landscaping efforts will temporarily reimagine the space, offering a glimpse into the promising future of the Silver Hill project.