Next step reached at the Central Winchester Regeneration meeting
Archaeology and a brief for consultants were on the agenda at a meeting of the Central Winchester Regeneration Informal Policy Group (IPG) held at the Guildhall in Winchester (18 October).
The Central Winchester Regeneration group has been tasked with producing a Supplementary Planning Document for the site in the form of a planning brief, and will shortly be seeking proposals from specialist consultancies. The consultants will be tasked to undertake the engagement and consultation to enable the project to move forward.
Professor Martin Biddle CBE, FBA, FSA, of Hertford College, Oxford, Director of the Winchester Research Unit, a renowned archaeological expert, attended the Central Winchester Regeneration meeting to discuss his views on the archaeology in this area. He presented his view stating that redevelopment must be achieved through careful design and exploration. To focus on areas that could potentially be intrusive such as lift pits and service trenches.
Professor Martin Biddle said:
The archaeology on this site is very important. New development must be designed sensitively to have minimum impact. This is perfectly achievable as it has been done previously in Canterbury and other historic towns and cities.
Cllr Vicki Weston, Deputy Leader, Portfolio Holder for Built Environment, added:
I was very pleased that a local resident spoke enthusiastically about the technical expertise of officers at the Council. Calling upon the in-house archaeologist to provide advice on safeguarding the archaeology on site.
The groups work will also include looking at other issues on the site such as bus provision, potential underground contamination and flood risk. The next meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 8 November, public are welcome to attend.
The consultation process will begin in the New Year.