CIVIC chiefs in Winchester are promising the city a new "cultural' quarter" after agreeing to shelve plans for a new £7m library because of overwhelming public opposition.

They are now promising to transform and refurbish the existing library in Jewry Street to create a modern library for the city alongside the Theatre Royal.

Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council unveiled their plans this week. The final decision will still rest with residents after a huge public consultation exercise. The favoured option would see the existing library next to the Tower Street car park, which has been there since 1938, completely refurbished. Mezzanine floors could be installed to create extra space.

County council leader Cllr Ken Thornber and city council boss Cllr Sheila Campbell, would like to see a new extension added to the Grade II listed building, to create a 'cultural centre' alongside the library.. It would include an auditorium, gallery for art and museum pieces, a caf, meeting rooms and facilities for adult learning. The plans spell the end for a controversial scheme to re-house the library in new premises in Sussex Street which had attracted widespread criticism from residents who felt it was too far out of the city centre. If the cultural centre is built it will mean the loss of 45 car parking spaces in Tower Street. The almost derelict reference library in North Walls would be demolished and the land sold off to help fund the costs - expected to fall short of the £7m initially set aside to build a new library.

Cllr Thornber, said: "The proposed scheme would bring the city's library services together in one convenient location and presents new opportunities for a range of cultural facilities for young and old."

Cllr Campbell added: "I believe the cultural centre would have something to offer for all the people of Winchester and will keep the city high on the cultural map of south England."

Public consultations will begin in January.