www.winchester.gov.uk
SPRING 2019
READY, STEADY GO! NEW SPORT & LEISURE CENTRE IS OFF THE BLOCKS
Don’t forget to vote! Sixteen local council seats are up for election on Thursday May 2 2019. Your vote matters so make sure you have your say on how the Winchester district is run…
1. REGISTER Make sure you are on the register of electors by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Last date for registration is Friday April 12 2019*
2. POSTAL VOTES Can’t get to the polling station on election day? No problem - request a postal vote by completing an application form, available at winchester.gov.uk/elections, or from the council offices. Applications must reach the council by 5pm on Monday 15 April.
To get a sense of what the new centre will look like see the video at bit.ly/WinchSportCentre
This spring, construction of a new state-of-the-art Sport & Leisure Centre starts at Bar End The new parkland leisure centre will provide a vibrant and modern facility for everyone in the Winchester district. The centre has a 50m swimming pool, a teaching and training pool, and a fun water zone for young children. There will also be an eight-court multiuse sports hall, a fitness suite, several studios, squash courts, a climbing wall and a café that spills onto an outdoor terrace. A hydrotherapy pool for physiotherapy and treatments is also being built inside the new centre. Sports centre operator Everyone Active will run the centre and work with us to create an exciting programme of sport and leisure for everyone. Pete Williams, Business Development Director for Everyone Active, said: “We want to create a state-of-the-art environment for people to exercise, gather and relax. “We are looking forward to introducing a modern centre that suits all types of lifestyle and is somewhere everyone can enjoy.” Sports clubs are looking forward to the arrival of the new centre. Mike Fisher, from Winchester Penguins swimming club, said: “We are excited about the pools included at the new centre. “We look forward to making this our new home and the 50m pool will give us a unique opportunity to compete with the biggest swim programmes in the country and extend our community offering.”
3. PROXY VOTES • Away on polling day? You can also request a proxy vote here, via the form available at winchester.gov.uk/elections, or from the council offices, before 5pm on Wednesday 24 April. • If you are unwell on the day you can request an emergency proxy vote as long as you contact 01962 848 125 by 5pm on Thursday 2 May
4. POLLING STATIONS Not sure where to head on the day? Details of your polling station can be found on your polling card which you will receive in the post at the start of April. *Forms can either be scanned and emailed back to us at ereg@winchester.gov.uk or posted back to the address shown on the form.
Winchester City Council, who are developing the centre with the University of Winchester, The Pinder Trust and Hampshire County Council are planning
to open the doors to the public in early 2021.
INSIDE We love it when our plan comes together… Page 03 New recycling to add a touch of glass Page 03 Are you a small business in Bishop’s Waltham? Page 03 Plans for train station approach in Winchester steaming ahead Page 04 Focus on Whiteley Page 04 Celebrating the best in the business Page 05 Your wishes could be granted Page 05 All change for council customers Page 05 Groups go into Dragons’ Den for funding Page 05 Less mess is the best Page 06 Zero tolerance approach to fly-tipping Page 06
A word from
our Chief Executive, Laura Taylor More than 120,000 people live in our district of over 250 square miles and our teams based in Winchester are out and about to help you every day.
A word from
our Leader, Councillor Caroline Horrill I am immensely proud to be the Leader of Winchester City Council.
Over the next year, to make it easier for you to get the council services you need, when you need them, we are putting more council services online. You will be able to pay your council tax, buy a parking permit or even book a sports pitch when you want to. You can still call us and to make that easier we have introduced some more direct dial numbers so you can get to the right person quicker. You can find more details below. This newsletter includes lots of information about what our council can do for you so keep it close by at home so you know how to contact us.
Working alongside my Cabinet and with the officer team our role is to ensure we provide the services you as residents expect and to ensure we have a place where everyone has opportunities in all aspects of their lives. These are very exciting times for the Winchester district as we regenerate our communities, pledge to build 1000 affordable homes and continue to offer the best services we can. Projects such as the Central Winchester Regeneration and the new Sport & Leisure Park mean people will have places they can visit and be proud of but that will also improve lives and foster economic growth. Just a few of the activities we have actioned recently are the installation of the Winchester
High Street Safety barriers to improve our security; the purchase of the bus station and rerouting of the buses so you are no longer chased up the high street by one of the buses, again improving safety; support for the play and exercise area at Swanmore; investment in the Dean car park in Alresford and commitment to improved flooding defences at the Durngate in Winchester; and building new affordable homes in Swanmore, Knowle, and Stanmore, to name just a few and also our state of the art Extra Care scheme - Chesil Lodge. For the future, we intend to start doorstep glass recycling this Autumn while freezing the city’s council tax for the next financial year. We are also doing much to help fight pollution and congestion to improve lives further. There has been a Winchester movement study consultation taking place that has looked at how we can tackle congestion and promote sustainable transport in the years to come. More Park and ride schemes are our major priority and to promote better walking and cycling access. These important initiatives change lives for the better while making Winchester district an attractive place to work, live and visit. There is much to do, including facing the financial challenges that all councils have, but we have the best team working in the best interests of residents and we remain confident we can deliver on our promises while always looking for new and innovative ways to make Winchester district one of the best in the country.
Top dogs Page 07 Plugging the gap - new electric vehicle charging points on the way Page 07 Protecting you from flooding Page 07 Building for the future Page 08 First-time buyer struggling to get on the housing ladder? Let us help… Page 09 Competition Page 09 Central Winchester Regeneration Page 10 What’s on Page 11 New-look tourist information centre stocks great range of local produce Page 11 A day in the life of…the Mayor Page 12 Follow Us Page 12
Produced by Corporate Communications, Winchester City Council www.winchester.gov.uk resident@winchester.gov.uk (or customerservice@winchester.gov.uk) 01962 840 222
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MOVING FORWARD Winchester city centre Movement Strategy takes shape Ever sat in a traffic jam in the city centre and wondered if there could be a different way of getting around that would improve things, even at busy times? It turns out you are not alone – hundreds of you have given your views on how best to manage travel and transport in the city of Winchester during the recent consultation on the emerging Movement Strategy. Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council have been asking how you felt about travelling into and around the city centre. Our 2017 consultation highlighted issues experienced by people city and how things could be improved. These comments have helped shape the emerging strategy and the views gave an insight into what it is like to park, cycle, walk and take public transport. The priorities of the Movement Strategy, aimed at identifying and addressing issues with getting around the city, are: • Reducing city centre traffic • Supporting healthier lifestyles • Investing in infrastructure to support sustainable growth Your feedback suggested you are broadly supportive of these priorities, and the city and county council are now working together on the next steps for the project.
See the proposed strategy here: bit.ly/WinchesterMovementStrategy winchestercc
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STOP PRESS: BREAKING NEWS NEW RECYCLING TO ADD A TOUCH OF GLASS When East Hampshire District Council and Winchester City Council asked people to let them know what they thought of waste collection, doorstep glass recycling topped the bill as something people wanted to see in their neighbourhoods. As a result free boxes will be delivered across the Winchester district and all residents will see the new service introduced from October 2019. The new glass collection service is part of a drive to significantly increase recycling rates across the district and to benefit the environment.
2.7 Million bin collections made in the district every year
WE LOVE IT WHEN A PLAN COMES TOGETHER… It’s the role of local authorities to protect and enhance the areas that they look after - and balancing development that futureproofs a place for generations with ensuring that the environment is properly considered is a task that needs taking seriously The Winchester district stretches across 250 square miles of central Hampshire and benefits from adopted Local Plans. These documents are approved by independent planning inspectors that enables the council to plan for required new housing, providing business space and infrastructure improvements whilst retaining what makes Winchester’s towns, villages and countryside so special.
Jenny Nell, Head of Strategic Planning at Winchester City Council explains: “Local Plans are invaluable when we are making big decisions around development and they now need updating every five years. Our current plans take us up to 2031 so we now need to plan ahead and update our plans looking forward to 2036.” The council will publish a document later this year for people to have their say - and you have a
strong track record of coming forward with your views. In response to the ‘launch’ consultation in summer 2018 more than 140 people and organisations made comments which were reported to Winchester City Council’s Cabinet (Local Plan) Committee in December. We are also gathering information about different areas in the district so we can understand more about different sites. Jenny said: “At that meeting, we were also presented with the Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA), which identifies all the sites that have been submitted for consideration through the Local Plan. The next stage is to include smaller sites and then the revised SHELAA will be published in the spring. “There is no reason to be alarmed if your local area is included in the SHELAA as the majority of sites do not get built. However, if they are in the SHELAA it means that we can see the bigger picture and can collect enough information to identify the type and amount of development required in the district, outside the South Downs National Park.”
October 2019 the date glass recycling will begin in the district
50,000 glass collection boxes that will be distributed as part of the rollout Existing glass collection sites will still be available for any excess recycling. Find out more at winchester.gov.uk/waste-recycling
ARE YOU A SMALL BUSINESS IN BISHOP’S WALTHAM? We know that businesses across our district are always looking for accommodation So we are in the process of developing three new units on the site of the former depot in Lower Lane in Bishop’s Waltham. The three units will cover almost 8,000 square feet and the development will include 25 car parking spaces. The current buildings on the site will be demolished and redeveloped to provide the accommodation. A planning application for the site is due this month and there has already been great interest in the units from local businesses.
If you are a small business anywhere in the district looking for accommodation call 01962 844 347 To find out more about these units see winchester.gov.uk/business
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PLANS FOR STATION APPROACH IN WINCHESTER STEAMING AHEAD Residents and businesses have been giving us their thoughts about the plans for the regeneration of the train station area in Winchester. Seen as essential to support economic growth for the city, the ambitious plans could see new office space, restaurants and cafes brought to the gateway to the historic city centre known as Station Approach. Paul Spencer, CEO of Winchester BID said, “The BID are supportive of this move to bring to life an important part of the city of Winchester. The plans will support local businesses looking for office space, encourage new companies to come to the area and also make the most of the excellent connectivity of Winchester via rail to London and the South Coast.” An outline planning application that is due for consideration will set out plans to create 140,000 square feet of office space that is estimated to bring £81m to the local economy.
Find out more about the scheme and respond to the proposals at winchester.gov.uk/projects
FOCUS ON WHITELEY Forum keeps Whiteley businesses buzzing
Whiteley is undergoing some of the fastest and most exciting changes in the district. The North Whiteley development, approved last year, will see 3,500 new homes built, with a secondary school and two primary schools. It will also include two community centres as well as playing fields and open spaces and benefit from highway improvements that will help fix congestion problems at peak times. Integral to the area’s future and communities are the local businesses, which are supported by the Whiteley Business Forum. The Forum brings together all the area’s
businesses to discuss and address key issues that could affect them. Businesses represented on the forum include Whiteley Shopping Centre, Zurich, the Solent Hotel and Gattaca. It is also attended by representatives from Winchester City Council, Hampshire Country Council and Hampshire Police. Key topics for discussion at the Forum recently have been the proposed improvements to the roads in relation to the North Whiteley development, including links to junction nine of the M27, and proposals for the shopping centre.
Whiteley Shopping Centre opens at 9am and close at 8pm Monday to Friday, 7pm on Saturday. Sunday trading hours are 10.30 -16.30pm. Find out more at whiteleyshopping.co.uk
SPEND A DAY IN WHITELEY Whiteley has a unique appeal as there really is something for everyone here. A morning shopping, a lazy lunch, an afternoon treat - all are on the cards when you head to this popular social hub in the south of the Winchester district. SHOPPING An enticing range of national top names await the avid shopper. The centre is compact and accessible, with plenty of choice from high street brand clothing and shoe shops, places selling leisure gear, gifts, stationery, newspapers and cards plus leading drug stores and cosmetic specialists. You can even pick up some groceries from the superstore before you leave…
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ENTERTAINMENT A children’s climbing centre - not something you see every day in a shopping complex - but Whiteley has one! And if it’s all-round entertainment or a romantic date then the Cineworld complex is right next to the centre too. EATING OUT Pizzeria? Chicken or burger fix? Oriental feast? All
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are available in Whiteley - with coffee shops and ice cream parlour if you’d like a quick treat while you plan your next shop. GETTING THERE Swanwick Railway station is a 25-minute walk from Whiteley, but a taxi rank at the station can whisk you to the centre in minutes. The n0 28/28A both serve the area and stop by Tesco
Winchester City Council
Can’t stretch to a full day? The shops open at 9am and close at 8pm Monday to Friday, 7pm on Saturday. Sunday trading hours are 10:30 16:30pm PARKING Whiteley offers 1,360 car parking spaces across seven car parks - and the first four hours are free.
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GROUPS GO INTO DRAGONS’ DEN FOR FUNDING Residents dared to enter the Dragons’ Den as grants of up to £4000 were awarded to local projects at the popular WINnovation awards. Grants were awarded at a special ceremony after charities and groups pitched their projects to the panel. This panel were looking for projects that were entrepreneurial, engaging, and enhanced the council’s work. The winners this year included Wickham
Community Association, who pitched for equipment which will enable them to provide new activities within their community garden. Also impressing with their pitch was a joint venture with Winnall Rock School and Winchester Youth Counselling, whose project will provide a combination of song writing and giving young people the opportunity to seek a different type of therapy to assist them with their mental health.
YOUR WISHES COULD BE GRANTED Have you ever found your idea for a business, community group or event stuck on the starting blocks due to a lack of money? We have been helping local organisations by offering funding for projects that otherwise may have struggled to launch. A range of different grants are available and the processes have been simplified so it’s definitely worth a try if you have something you are really passionate about but you just lack that final investment to get it off the ground. • Small (local) grants - £500, with a simple application process and super-quick decisions that are made on the spot. • Project funding (crowd funding) - provision of a crowd funding platform for projects. When a certain threshold is reached, the council will match fund up to 50% or to the value of £3,000. • Flexible grant - up to £10,000, for ad-hoc requests
• Priority Outcomes fund - up to a maximum of £15,000, for organisations and initiatives contributing to the council’s priorities (business growth; health and happiness; high quality environment and housing) Previous recipients of grants have included: • The West Meon Village Community shop (above) - they applied for a small grant for some shelving for their new library scheme which runs from the shop. This was needed by the community following the loss of the mobile library which visited the area. • The Colden Common Shed - created a ‘Men’s Shed’, a place for men to connect, converse and create, with the aim of recuing isolation and loneliness.
For more information or apply, go to winchester.gov.uk/grants
CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS
Is your business excellent? Let us know! Businesses in the know ring a date in the calendar each June - that’s because each year The Guildhall Winchester plays host to a prestigious award ceremony that celebrates excellence in business locally. Organised by the Hampshire Chronicle, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Winchester BID, winning an award offers those selected a chance to raise their profile in the business community and with the public.
Becoming a finalist also guarantees two tickets to the awards ceremony and dinner.
Think you deserve a seat at the table? Nominations are welcomed for businesses or businesses are able to nominate themselves, for more information please visit www.winchesterbusinessawards.co.uk
Are you a group or charity that could benefit from a council grant? Find out more at winchester.gov.uk/grants
ALL CHANGE FOR COUNCIL CUSTOMERS If you have visited our customer reception recently, you’ll be aware that the team is rolling out the red carpet for our residents. After 12 years, our original reception was no longer fit for purpose, so we have introduced new technology to help customers. The move is part of a programme of improvement to ensure services are designed in a way that benefits our customers. The enhanced reception area, which opened in January 2019, has introduced quick and convenient cash kiosks. The way queries are dealt with reduces waiting times and makes the visit better for people needing help from the council.
CITIZENS ADVICE AND COUNCIL MOVE TOGETHER FOR JOINED UP ADVICE Citizens Advice Winchester District is looking forward to an exciting move later this year, when it relocates right next to our newly refurbished Colebrook Street customer reception. After many years of working together the two organisations have opted to co-locate so that local people looking for advice can come to a single place. The advisors from both organisations will be on hand to ensure people who need support, particularly those who have issues around housing, benefits or debts can get help in one place. Citizens Advice Winchester District helps around 6,000 people across the district - running centres in Winchester and Bishop’s Waltham and supporting drop-in facilities in Alresford, Denmead,
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Wickham and HMP Winchester. It is proud to remain a local, independent charity offering free confidential advice to local residents
Do you need some confidential advice? Residents can get in touch with Citizens Advice Winchester District, on telephone number 03444 111 306 or by emailing advice@winchesterdistrictcab.org.uk 05
LESS MESS IS THE BEST ‘Please pick up after your dog’ is the message from students of Durley and Swanmore Primary Schools City council dog wardens visited the schools to pass on top tips to Year Five students on looking after their own furry friends and the safest way to approach dogs they aren’t familiar with. Following the visit the children took part in a competition to design a banner to promote the message ‘clean up after your dog’. The Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Frank Pearson, presented prizes to the winning entrants, Emily Bird
from Swanmore Primary School and Jessica Innes from Durley Primary School. Their banners will now be on public display. Cllr Frank Pearson, Mayor of Winchester, said: “I am very pleased that these schools have been involved in promoting responsible dog ownership and that each school has produced an excellent banner that will spread the very important message to dog owners to clean up after their dogs.”
If you see an animal in distress or have an concern about welfare please contact our animal welfare team on 01962 848 097.
ZERO TOLERANCE APPROACH TO DO IF YOU SEE TO FLY-TIPPING WHAT FLY-TIPPING? Fly-tipping. Annoying isn’t it? Well it annoys us too, and in January, when the government gave local authorities further powers to crack down on flytipping, we were delighted. The move means we have a better chance of deterring people from disposing of their waste in public spaces - a move that will help enforce our zero tolerance approach to fly-tipping. Anyone whose waste is found fly-tipped could face up to five years in prison and be fined up to £50,000 and, under the new powers, we can also issue offenders on-the-spot fines of up to £400. We have a 100% success rate for fly-tipping prosecutions to date.
• Please do not touch the waste as some is dangerous and could contain hazardous materials and sharp objects • Take note of the exact location of the waste or nearest landmark • Do not disturb or remove anything from the fly-tip site as there could be evidence that could help identify the culprits
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• To report an incident of fly-tipping please contact the Customer Services Team on 0300 300 0013 or report it on www.winchester.gov.uk/report. If it is blocking the road please contact Hampshire County Council
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TOP DOGS
To report cases of animal cruelty to the RSPCA call 0300 1234 999 While our Animal Welfare team does not directly investigate animal cruelty complaints, Dave and Ross are happy to discuss issues and point you in the right direction. Contact them on 01962 848097 or email us at EHealth@winchester.gov.uk
The Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has awarded our very own animal welfare team a Gold Footprint Award for their outstanding work with stray dogs and the licensing of animal establishments. Dave Griffiths and Ross Shepherd were recognised for going above and beyond for
their work protecting, re-housing and returning stray dogs to their owners and ensuring that establishments are providing excellent care for animals. They rehoused 100 dogs in 2018. Dave said: “There is nothing better than seeing the transformation from a stray dog that has been neglected and abandoned to one that is thriving and loving life in a new home. “This is down to the selfless dedication of the dog rescue societies, vets, kennel workers and the owners that are prepared to give a rescue dog a second chance.
“Our licensing role allows a partnership with local businesses that aims to provide the highest level of animal care. This is a highly rewarding role and we are honoured to be recognised by the country’s foremost animal welfare charity.” The RSPCA also acknowledged our housing team with a Silver Footprint Award for its work with council tenants and their pets. The awards celebrate animal welfare work from local authorities and other organisations, such as housing providers, and were first held in 2008. The team received their award at recent ceremony in London.
PLUGGING THE GAP - NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING POINTS ON THE WAY Dozens of electric charging points could be introduced across car parks in the Winchester district. We plan to install nearly 50 electric vehicle charging points. The chargers would be installed over the next five years at locations including 25 in council car parks, 13 Park and Ride car parks, 12 rural and town car parks, and three on-street parking bays in the heart of Winchester. Our plans also include three electric charging points at the new Sport & Leisure Centre in Bar End and four chargers specifically for taxis. Improving the air quality in the district is one of our biggest environmental priorities and follows the announcement of the Government’s clean air strategy, which includes the pledge to stop sales of petrol or diesel powered cars and vans by 2040.
PROTECTING YOU FROM FLOODING If you were in the district during in February 2014, you will have seen the impact flooding can have At the time, inventive solutions to save Winchester from the huge amount of damage threatened by imminent flooding saved thousands of homes and businesses from catastrophic impact, kept traffic flowing but grabbed national headlines. Over the last five years we have worked closely with Hampshire County Council and the Environment Agency to safeguard against the dangers of such threats. There hasn’t yet been any repeat of flooding like that seen in North Walls, Hambledon, Sutton Scotney and the Worthys in 2014. But the unpredictable nature of the weather and the potential impacts of climate change mean it’s vital for us to learn from what happened and keep up the good works to keep local people safe: • The events of 2014 hastened the work in Hambledon to lay a mile long ‘Big Pipe’ to keep floodwater off the roads in the future. The work was completed in December 2017. • In 2017 we celebrated the completion of the Park Avenue and St Bedes Flood Alleviation Scheme. The defences ensure major buildings in this part of Winchester, including River Park Leisure Centre, Winchester School of Art and St Bede School, are protected. • We have also installed defences in Water Lane to ensure houses are protected. Across the district, we are working closely with partners to develop measures to reduce the risk of flooding in Littleton, Kings Worthy and Headbourne Worthy. • This year, new defences for the North Winchester Flooding Alleviation Scheme will also be installed. These will protect central Winchester and the historic City Mill by introducing sluice gates on the last uncontrolled river courses that flow through the city. This will not only help to improve flood defences but will also control the river levels further upstream for ecological reasons during dry spells. www.winchester.gov.uk
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BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
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Finding somewhere affordable to buy is an issue that faces many people across the UK. And with house prices in the Winchester district being high, we are driving forward an ambitious programme to build 1,000 new affordable homes over the next ten years. The plans have been given a boost by the removal of a government cap on how much local councils borrow against the value of their existing housing stock. In Winchester the focus is on providing different tenancies to suit families, older residents and younger people. The work continues - we have completed 27 flats at Victoria Court - and by the end of the year 14 new homes will be completed and another 80 will have started on site.
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“I think it’s sensational, there’s everything you need here. The staff are lovely - if I need anything I just ask. Everything is done for us and I needed that now.” DOROTHY STILES
The BBC Sunday Politics show recently interviewed residents in the extra-care scheme Chesil Lodge which looks after people 55 or over who want to enjoy independence knowing that help is on hand when they need it. Three residents of Winchester’s Extra Care Scheme Chesil Lodge had this to say about life in their new home…
“If you want to get downstairs they help you down.” EILEEN SEVERN
“There’s companionship. We meet at least once a day and have a good natter…. It’s very informal I like it here very much..” KATHLEEN WARDLE
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FIRST-TIME BUYER STRUGGLING TO GET ON THE HOUSING LADDER? LET US HELP… Winchester has a reputation of being one of the best places to live in the UK - scooping the top award from the Sunday Times in 2016 - and retaining a strong position in Halifax’s Quality of Life rankings this year as other cities and towns in the South East slip down the list. The reason for the drop for so many of these places is the issue of affordable housing - and Winchester does well to retain its strong reputation as it also has an issue with very high house prices. But offering people an opportunity to live in their own home is a key priority for us and we are dedicated to tackling the challenge head-on by finding solutions that work for our first-time buyers. One couple who have taken advantage of our innovative new schemes are Naomi Beamish and Olly Biggs, who took advantage of the pilot myhome Partnered Home Purchase (PHP) scheme. They had been struggling to find an affordable home in the district close enough to the city centre where they run their business, Forte Kitchen in Parchment Street. The couple, in their 30s, had been living in a one-bedroom flat in Chesil Street and were looking for a larger property that would allow them to grow
their family. Thanks to the myhome PHP scheme they were able to purchase a two-bedroom house in the heart of Alresford that ticked all of their boxes. The scheme allowed them to choose a home on the open market, which was then purchased by the council. Through this they purchased a share of the lease and they pay rent on the remaining share. The move came at a busy time as they also celebrated the birth of their daughter Poppy, and were opening a new restaurant in Farnham. Naomi said: “I cannot believe how much freedom this scheme provided, especially when compared to Help to Buy schemes, which are really strict on what you can and can’t do. There is no way we could have afforded this home otherwise. “We were looking to get more space and wouldn’t have been able to do that without a scheme like this. It really has worked out perfectly for us.”
Find out more about how we can help first-time buyers at winchester.gov.uk/housing
COMPETITION
E W I N N O V A T I O N H E A B G H E L K C R O P C S V M C U U D C L M O R X T V I D H P M B K O U E F O M K T I J A S B N J J L H C J R C R F V C R X U P J D L V T A B H Z R Q Z D V F D W D I E I E E C W R F K E T K N R N S V O P L B H G P R V Z K O S O E S N J O W L Y M G T Y Z K R F H H O Z C A D C F R J B N O R K C E Y J S I Q E F L O O D I N G D L I S A V E D I R D N A K R A P A U E N A O Y E Y A Y E B U T P A N L U A E Z Y I Y U F Q A U X
Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium is more than a day out. It’s a chance to spark your children’s curiosity in science which could lead them on an exciting journey for life. And we are delighted to offer one family a FREE TRIP to visit the centre and enjoy one of the amazing planetarium shows. Simply complete the wordsearch and send your entry, along with your contact details, to: Newsletter Competition, Corporate Communications, Winchester City Council, Colebrook Street, Winchester, SO23 9LJ. CLOSING DATE: April 19th 2019 Full terms and conditions are available at bit.ly/AboutWinchesterCompetition
Find out more about the Science Centre at winchestersciencecentre.org
CHESIL LODGE COLEBROOK ELECTION EVERYONE ACTIVE
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FLOODING GLASS PARK AND RIDE RSPCA
SHELAA WINNOVATION
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CENTRAL WINCHESTER REGENERATION We’ve come a long way and seen some exciting developments in the plans for central Winchester since the community planning weekend in March 2017 Over the last two years, thousands of you have come forward to have your say about the future of this part of the city centre. Together we’ve created a vision for the 4.5 hectare area that reflects what people want.
n A series of engagement and public events, including a community planning weekend in March 2017, to provide information and start creating a vision for the area.
WHAT’S HAPPENED SO FAR….
HOW BIG IS THE AREA? The area includes:
2017 Bus Station - bought, modernised and new routes created to make pedestrians safe.
n Extensive public and stakeholder engagement around the emerging vision for the area that would shape the Supplementary Planning Document SPD)
Extended formal consultation for the SPD ran from 11 December 2017 until 5 February 2018.
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2018 Archaeology panel answers public questions and shares information at community events.
Council buys the site of the former Friarsgate Medical Centre, plus buildings either side of the Bus Station entrance meaning the regeneration plans can go ahead smoothly.
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Bus station
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Former Friarsgate medical centre
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Kings Walk
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Former antiques market (now The Nutshell)
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Woolstapler’s Hall
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The Broadway
Key: Council-owned sites
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What local people said they want:
A mixed-use, pedestrian friendly quarter that is distinctly Winchester and supports a vibrant retail, cultural and heritage offer which is set within an exceptional public realm and incorporates the imaginative re-use of existing buildings.
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A special study is commissioned to look into the options for ‘Meanwhile Use’ for the area behind the bus station.
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3. Refurbishment of Coitbury House. The Central Winchester Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was adopted by Cabinet on 20 June 2018 after 18 months of extensive public engagement. Advisory panels were created to look at specific topics during the development:
Design brief for the public spaces in the Broadway and lower section of the High Street agreed.
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SO WHAT’S NEXT?
2018
The Bike Hub at the Open House Deli moved into the Old Post Office in Middle Brook Street.
1. ‘Meanwhile Uses’ (deciding what will go on the site before it’s completed) Improving the public realm of the Broadway 2. Public realm improvements to lower High Street
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The former Antique Market brought back into use as a community arts venue called ‘The Nutshell’.
What we do in central Winchester needs to be achievable, sustainable and we need to make sure it benefits everyone who uses the area. So we’ve created a ‘Delivery Roadmap’ to set out the next four years of development. We’re hoping to start construction by the end of 2021 so this will help us plan the timings for:
‘The Blend Academy’ took up residence in the previously empty premises in Middle Brook Street.
• design, planning and procurement • getting funding sources • having conversations about ideas put forward - like having a new museum and moving the bus station • delivering the vision that we say we want to see
Architects, Henley Halebrown, appointed to design the refurbishment of Coitbury House so it could be used by businesses
This Roadmap will be continually updated as the project progresses so we can ensure we leave sufficient time for the necessary checks to be undertaken properly before designs are put forward.
Planters and barriers were installed on the High Street to provide protection to pedestrians and businesses.
Be a part of the conversation – sign up for newsletters and events at winchester.gov.uk/projects/sign-up-for-updates
Winchester City Council
@winchestercityc
What’s On... Friday 12 April - 7:30pm
Sunday 9 June
5 April - 1 September
WINCHESTER CRITERIUM & CYCLE FEST A 1km circuit race around closed roads in Winchester city centre for varying ages and abilities.
Monday 29 April - Saturday 4 May WINCHESTER FASHION WEEK Now in its ninth year, a week packed full of exciting events, finishing on Saturday with the Grand Finale Catwalk Show and Fashion Fair. A glittering celebration of fashion and style in Winchester.
Friday 29 March - 7:30pm THE CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS - MOTOWN MISSION The award-winning spectacular is Europe’s biggest and best-loved production of the Blues Brothers. The show is a high-octane, adrenaline-pumping musical mash-up that presents the best material from the original Blues Brothers movies and is jam-packed full of songs by legends with blues, soul, Motown and funk classics and a few surprises thrown in along the way.
BRICKOSAURS! AT MARWELL A world exclusive, prehistoric LEGO brick experience that will see 50 astonishing dinosaur sculptures inhabit Marwell Zoo. Friday 14 June - Sunday 16 June
WINCHESTIVAL Presenting the very best live music, stand-up comedy, street food and entertainment for festival goers of all ages.
Saturday 22 June - 7:30pm SPECIAL KINDA MADNESS Returning following a storming 2017 show, Special Kinda Madness return to Winchester, performing a truly authentic set from each band, combining the phenomenally energetic stage presence of The Specials with the wonderful iconic tunes of the Madness ‘Nutty Boys’.
12 May
Thursday 6 June - Saturday 6 July THE GRANGE FESTIVAL Set in stunning grounds, take in the spectacular lake views, order some canapes or tea and cake before settling in to enjoy some world-class opera in the heart of Hampshire.
Weekly WHITELEY PARKRUN Parkrun is an organised, free, weekly 5km timed run. Open to everyone and designed to be safe and easy to take part in. It starts at 9am on Saturday mornings at Meadowside Recreation Ground, with a junior Parkrun at 9am Sundays.
Friday 24 May - 7:30pm THE MEN THEY COULDN’T HANG British folk-punk group, The Men They Couldn’t Hang, came together in 1984 to perform at the Alternative Music Festival in Camden town. Over 30 years later, the folk punk group continues on strong as they return to the stage and with 17 albums behind them, we welcome these local heroes for a special show in our Bapsy Hall.
WINCHESTER WRITERS’ FESTIVAL Run by the University of Winchester, the Festival is packed full of workshops, talks and one-to-one appointments with more than 70 literary agents, commissioning editors, authors, poets and publishing experts. Saturday 15 June
HIGH TEA AT HAMBLEDON VINEYARD Enjoy a Sparkling afternoon tea in the Hampshire countryside, in the sunshine overlooking the vineyard and a behind the scenes tour of the vineyard. 11am-2pm, tickets: £42.50
MAGIC OF MOTOWN The captivating concert show oozes the style, sophistication and musical brilliance of these megastars as more than 36 classics are revived amid a flurry of glittering costume changes, starring all the dazzling dance moves and superb musicianship of the original artistes.
Tickets for all our shows can be purchased via our website www.guildhallwinchester.co.uk or at the Visit Winchester Box Office in the tourist information centre or by calling 01962 848 179
NEW-LOOK TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE STOCKS GREAT RANGE OF LOCAL PRODUCE Pop into our refurbished tourist information centre (TIC) and check out our local produce available to buy. Visitors and residents are going nutty for The Nut Butter Company’s range of tasty peanut butters. Charlotte Brown’s handmade preserves use recipes handed down by her mother and are great with cheese and biscuits along with a glass of Exton Park Sparkling Wine - also available from the TIC. If gin is more your thing - Winchester Distillery’s Twisted Nose craft gin combines ten botanicals
including locally grown watercress to create a spirit that is intense, fragrant and very refreshing. Think you know the place you live in? Try out our free self-guided trails and learn more about Winchester district’s connections including cricket, the military, royals, the Jewish community and our literary greats including Austen and Keats.
Browse the full selection in the TIC or download from visitwinchester.co.uk
Saturday 8 June ALRESFORD MUSIC FESTIVAL Perhaps one of the most chilled, family friendly festivals of the summer, the one-day music event showcasing a diverse range of music styles from both established and emerging local talent.
As England hosts the ICC Cricket World Cup this summer with matches just down the road at the Ageas Bowl, what better time to explore the village of Hambledon - the birthplace of cricket? Follow our Cricket Trail available online at visitwinchester. co.uk or from the tourist information centre to see what you can discover.
For more information, visit: www.visitwinchester.co.uk
Winchester’s official tourist guides also do regular guided tours from the TIC as well as special interest tours - tickets available from the TIC www.winchester.gov.uk
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF….
THE MAYOR, CLLR FRANK PEARSON Cllr Frank Pearson was elected Mayor of Winchester for the second time last year, following his first stint in 2012-13. But what does the Mayor get up to on a day-today basis? We sat down with Cllr Pearson to find out about life in the ‘Chain Gang’.
How did you become Mayor? First, you must be a councillor. You are then nominated for the role by fellow councillors and elected by the other Members. The role is ceremonial and non-political, so the Mayor withdraws from political activity for their year-long service. I remain a councillor for my ward (Central Meon Valley) but try to share any residents concerns with my other councillor colleagues who also represent the ward.
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The variety of the job is absolutely staggering
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Tell us about the role of Mayor. The variety of the job is staggering. You can go from one extreme to another in a day - watching a youth dance class, then meeting a Royal visitor. I carry out a lot of openings, from Thai restaurants to the Winchester Christmas market, and visit many community groups and activities. It is a really important part of the role to help raise the profile and awareness of many causes and groups. There is then also my formal role as chair of the Full Council meetings.
Tell us about a part of the role that may surprise people. I am the 819th Mayor of Winchester - it’s the second oldest mayoralty in the country, dating back to when our city was the national capital. From the 13th century the Mayor has been chosen annually. And by tradition, the Mayor of Winchester still stands second only to the Lord Mayor of London in precedence of civic heads. We do get a lot of interest from overseas VIPs and as the First Citizen of Winchester I have recently welcomed both the Ambassador for Nepal and the High Chief Justice of India. What is the most rewarding part of the role? Discovering the number of volunteers who carry out such a vital role in our community. Without them, we truly would be lost and they do an incredible job. I am also proud to raise so much money for my three chosen charities throughout the year. Despite the tough financial climate, the people of our district are incredibly generous with donations. This year the Rowans Hospice, Hampshire and IOW Air Ambulance and the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) will benefit from this. What are the challenges of the role? It can be an exhausting challenge. You can be in four different places in one day, starting at 8.30am and not finishing until 11pm. Attending so many functions, you have to keep a close eye on how much you eat and drink.
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You also have to get very used to having your picture taken! Is there any time for life outside of the job? My family is spread across the world - Australia, USA, Denmark - so keeping up with them is a busy job in itself!
If you would like to donate to one of the Mayor’s charities, go to mayorofwinchesterscharities.co.uk
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