PLANS for an Anglo-Saxon ‘museum on the move’ in Winchester have been put to city councillors.

In a presentation to the Central Winchester Regeneration Informal Policy Group, representatives from the Hampshire Cultural Trust outlined their vision for a national Anglo-Saxon museum.

Alan Lovell, chairman of the Hampshire Cultural Trust, said: “This feels to me like an open goal and a wonderful opportunity.

“I am optimistic it can be done, but its early days. What it needs is everyone working together in a good project team to make it happen.”

In his appeal, Mr Lovell said a museum should focus on the period from 870 to 1170, which covers the reign of King Alfred the Great to the death of Henry of Blois.

He added that he wanted to model the museum on the Jorvik Viking Centre in York, which welcomed its 18 millionth visitor in 2015.

A key part of the presentation was the idea of a ‘museum on the move’, with visitors walking through the city to sites including Hyde Abbey, the Cathedral and the Great Hall, as well visiting a purpose-built museum in the heart of the city.

The initial ideas for the museum would also see The English Project – which promotes understanding of the story of the English language - form part of the museum.

Speaking about financing the museum, Mr Lovell said the steering group had a budget of £1.1 million for preparatory work into the project over the next three years.

Architect Chris Brandon of Perkins +Will said a design for a building was premature, but laid out some concept ideas for the project.

“The backbone to England is the Anglo-Saxons and we just don’t celebrate it,” he said.

He emphasised the possibility of using technology such as tablet devices to allow guests to see ‘recreated’ scenes from the past, as well as the possibility of a roof top garden and viewing gallery with sight lines to key locations around the city.

However, deputy leader councillor Victoria Weston said the project was very much in the concept stages.

“The council cannot endorse any particular proposal yet. I think at this stage of the process as a group here we cannot even think about committing any land to this project,” she said.