Face-lift for Winchester city centre street complete
The 1960s Casson Block in St George’s Street, home to a number of businesses, eateries and the local Citizens Advice Bureau, has been revamped under a £175,000 scheme led by the City Council with Winchester BID.
The works were a response to calls from businesses in the area to improve the aspect from their premises. Refurbishments are now complete and include a face-lift to the building’s frontage, a bigger and more attractive terraced area, new paving and lighting, plus the addition of planters and greenery.
Work has been carried out to create a more welcoming outdoor space where people can stop for a coffee and socialise, screened from the traffic by newly planted shrubbery. A new artwork called Intersection was also installed in February next to Manow restaurant, with its interpretation panel displayed in the walkway behind Rawberry. This describes the artist’s inspiration for its design, which combines ancient and modern architectural elements that are evocative of Winchester.
Portfolio Holder for Economy and Arts, Cllr Rob Humby said:
“This part of St George’s Street is so much improved – we can see from the people sitting out here how popular the sunny terraces are. The fragrant jasmine provides excellent screening from the traffic and the new artwork offers a focal point which has got people talking.
“The Casson Block enhancement scheme is a good example of what partnership working can achieve. We brought a number of stakeholders together to realise our goal to improve the area as a location to do business. The Council has been supported by Winchester BID, the City of Winchester Trust, local art consultant Stephen Boyce, plus Casson Block tenants.”
Tom Romita, who owns the popular Italian restaurant Tom’s Deli, said:
“This new terrace has made the whole block really nice – and it’s definitely coming into its own in such fine weather. I think it’s made a big contribution to the whole of the city centre.”