WINCHESTER civic chiefs are poised to approve the masterplan for the redevelopment of Station Approach.

The city council is launching a second attempt to develop the area next to the railway station.

The first scheme collapsed in 2016 after city councillors voted against the architect’s proposals. Designing the £150 million project now is Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands appointed last September.

On Tuesday the council cabinet (Station Approach) committee will discuss the masterplan and public realm strategy for the area that stretches from Gladstone Street to the cattle market car park and Andover Road. It will also approve the public engagement to ensure the scheme attracts the maximum possible support.

The aim is to build 13,000 square metres of high-quality office space that will provide the council with income. Another ambition is to provide more car parking and improve traffic flow for vehicles and pedestrians.

Drop-in exhibitions will be held at the Hampshire Record Office on Sussex Street, Winchester, on Saturday March 3 between 11am-3pm and Wednesday March 7, 4-7pm.

Stakeholders have been invited to workshops on March 5.

The open exhibition will visit the Swan Hotel in Alresford on Saturday March 17, 10am-Noon and at King’s Church, Bishop’s Waltham, on Saturday March 17 3-5pm.

The feedback will help architects draw up initial designs for the scheme.

A council report said: “Securing the high-quality public realm across the Station Approach area is an important objective. Firstly, the council wishes to ensure that the quality of the public realm makes a positive statement about the city itself via arrival at the station.”