The redundant brownfield space around the station area had suffered from long-term neglect. The hallmark of our masterplan and public realm strategy is for built-in flexibility that will allow future buildings and wider public realm enhancements to respond to necessary and inevitable change.
We developed a comprehensive masterplan for two sites – Carfax and Cattle Market owned by the Council. These schemes deliver much needed workspace alongside 85 attractive family homes that extend the elegant character of Winchester right up to the station.
Having completed the masterplan, which was approved at cabinet in December 2017, LDS have drawn up detailed concept proposals for the Carfax site; centred around highly efficient Grade A office accommodation immediately adjacent to the station.
The redevelopment of the Carfax site creates 120,000 sq.ft of office space, a significant piece of new public realm and landscape in front of the station, and much needed activity in the shape of enterprise workspace to support local business initiatives and other retail offers.
Our winning bid was commended for the level and detail of the consultation process we proposed and from the start we managed to galvanise the local community, pressure groups and stakeholders to come together in a productive endeavour of collaboration. After one of a number of our initial community workshops, Councilor Rob Humby said:
“It was wonderful to see so many engaged members of our community at the workshop, helping shape Winchester’s future as an exciting business hub. The strength of people’s opinions and their willingness to share their ideas reflects the sense of pride we have for our city.”
