Steve Brine met up with the City of Winchester Trust recently to discuss a range of issues affecting the city following the publication earlier this year of their Vision for Winchester report.
The Winchester MP met up with Trust Chairman Keith Leaman and Michael Carden at their Upper Brook Street offices and were joined by John Beveridge, Richard Baker and John Hearn who worked on the strategy.
One of the main focuses of discussion was the Station Approach scheme which is at the stage of an Outline Planning Application. The Trust have objected in respect of the number of car parking spaces provided for and to say that the development is contrary to adopted policies such as LPP 2 with its desire ‘to protect and enhance the special character of Winchester’.
Steve said: “I promised to follow-up on a few things, specifically in relation to sufficient new Grade A office space which I am clear must not be lost in any other alterations to the scheme. I am keen to see a much greater join up between Winchester BiD and other organisations in the city because we mustn’t duck this key ask from the business community. Winchester City Council estimate the Station Approach scheme will provide an £81million boost to the local economy and create circa 1,000 jobs so it’s high stakes.
“I value greatly these regular meetings with the Trust and all they do for our city. I found it extremely useful to go through the Vision document as well as take a canter around some of the other major projects ongoing at this time including the new sport and leisure centre and the Saxon Gate city centre redevelopment.”
The meeting comes as the Trust launches its new website including the latest news on Trust activities, developments in Winchester and articles on how to comment on a planning application. New features include a shop where Trust publications, cards and prints can be ordered online, an online membership application and a members' Area. The site can be found at www.cityofwinchestertrust.co.uk
Pictured; Steve Brine MP with (left to right); Michael Carden, Richard Baker and Chairman Keith Leaman.
