SWEEPING redevelopment of a huge part of Winchester city centre will soon be put before local people.

The city council has issued a report for public consultation stating how it would like to see the four-acre Broadway-Friarsgate area developed over the next few years.

It is currently an ugly mish-mash of things including the empty post office sorting office, car parks, the bus station/depot and warehouses.

Planners see potential for redevelopment which treats the area as a whole and brings it much more into the life of the city centre.

Among the ideas in a £10 to £20 million scheme are shops, including a large one of 5,000 square metres, 100-plus homes, a new bus station with entrance and exit onto Friarsgate, relocated health centres, art galleries and public spaces.

The planning brief foresees residential development on the Cossack Lane car park. The loss of city centre car parking would be dependent on the success of the expanded park-and-ride.

Private talks are being held with landowners, Stagecoach and developers.

Writing in the Daily Echo last November, when the plans were first revealed, Steve Bee, chief planning officer, said the scheme was a chance for Winchester to attract more shoppers and exploit its distinct character.

"It is Winchester's past willingness to respond to change that has created its fine environment," he said.

The planners believe there will be a growing need for more shops in the early years of the 21st century.

At the moment the district local plan is opposed to any new retail development in the city centre. The plan is being revised to allow for more city centre shops.

The council says the scheme would be disruptive with the city without a bus station. Friarsgate health practice said it would temporarily relocate to offices in nearby Kings Walk.

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