WINCHESTER Business Improvement District has opened its new-look office.

City MP Steve Brine officially re-opened the centre in Parchment Street last Friday (July 19) after a three-week refurbishment.

It now provides more space for business meetings including a conference room and sofas for informal gatherings, while people are also able to drop-in to do work.

Catherine Turness, BID manager, said: “It's been a real transformation and it's so nice to have this place looking like a real business centre. We have had quite a lot of interest so far and have been networking with other groups to get the news out.

“This gives out a professional atmosphere for meetings that you don't get in coffee shops where people often tend to go.”

Mr Brine added: “Things like this and the much-discussed business charter are not gimmicks; they are support for business and a cracking thing for Winchester. This business centre is a no-brainer.”

The launch party was attended by several city businesses as well as Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.