PLANS for a creative enterprise centre in Winchester have been dealt a major blow.

The centre at a former industrial site at Barfield Close has had a withdrawal of support from Winchester University.

The city council says the scheme would provide somewhere for graduates and business start-ups as well as artists who are skilled but unable to find work in Winchester.

It would have been built on the former railway goods shed, which was previously used by TJ Waste.

The Chronicle understands that the university pulled out to “reprioritise” their external projects, leaving the council to now seek a new partner.

At the cabinet major projects committee Conservative councillor Eileen Berry said: “I am absolutely dumbfounded that the university has turned its back. I think it is so short-sighted.”

“Young people need an outlet and want to produce their art and have somewhere to sell it from.”

The leader of the Liberal Democrat Group Lucille Thompson said: “My question is one of sadness I thought it was an exciting project. Are we seeking another partner and if we do not find a partner can we continue with the project anyway or will it fall by the wayside?”

Conservative councillor Ian Tait said: “This is the first I knew about the university not going ahead in this. Are we are confident there is not a flaw in our process, will there be a delay in the process?”

“It is disappointing that a brilliant project seems to be floundering.”

Andy Hickman, assistant director of policy and planning projects at the council said: “We are looking at finding a partner. If we do not find the partner some of the project will go ahead, and we will come back with a revised scheme.”

He added: “It was a great opportunity and it is sad the university had other priorities. We hope to keep the project going in some form.”

Corporate Director Steve Tilbury said that these things can happen when dealing with external partners. He said: “When you add complexity to a project and you have other people’s money you lose some control.”

A university spokeswoman said: “After careful consideration, the university has decided to withdraw from discussions with Winchester City Council about the development of a Creative Enterprise Centre.

“The university is currently working with the council and other partners to deliver a new leisure centre for the city at Bar End and our focus is on ensuring the success of this project.”