PLANS to give Winchester's Winnall industrial estate a facelift have been welcomed by council chiefs and the business community.

Cabinet members on Wednesday approved a move to commission a two-year study into the area, which despite being the largest employment area within the city, has become "unattractive" to investors, according to the authority.

The 'Vision for Winnall' study will cost £25,000, and will include an examination of all aspects of the estate, including the current occupiers, planning issues, employment demand, access and parking.

It is hoped the study will lead to a master plan for the area.

Richard Knasel, responsible for economy and transport, said North Hampshire Chamber of Commerce had been very supportive of the idea, and had urged the council to give the go-ahead.

He said the study would provide an "important "framework" into how to develop the area.

Council leader Sheila Campbell said: "I think this is very positive. I hope this area can become more productive for the city."

A report to members said Winnall -- developed in the 1960s -- now lacked identity, with many of the buildings beginning to look old and nearing the end of their "economic" life.

Coupled with a lack of urban design, landscaping, and fragmented ownership, the area has become unappealing as a potential location for new business.

The report added that despite being close to the M3, access from the city centre was poor.

The Winnall of the future could include a new-look business park.

Jim Sawyer, chairman of the North Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, welcomed the move.

He said: "Winnall is ideally located for modern high-tech business, and it is important for the future economic wellbeing of the area that new and growing businesses are located here, and that new graduates and skills are not lost."

Meanwhile, work commences next Monday on a £2.2m development of eight self-contained business units on the Winnall industrial estate at a site on Moorside Road that has been empty for two years.