Silver Hill future set to be announced (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Silver Hill future set to be announced

5:50pm Wednesday 28th July 2010 in Silver Hill By Andrew Napier

Silver Hill future set to be announced

THE future of the £100 million Silver Hill scheme in Winchester should become clearer in the next few weeks, councillors heard.

Parts of the Thornfield business empire went into administration early this year jeopardising the regeneration of the much-needed Broadway-Friarsgate scheme which envisages, new shops, offices, flats and a bus station.

The administrators is seeking to sell Thornfield's interest in the scheme it was jointly sharing with the city council.

City council leader Kelsie Learney said in a written answer to a question from Cllr Ian Tait at full Council: “The administrators has indicated he wishes to conclude matters in the next few weeks.

“Given the complexity of these transactions it would be unwise to speculate about whether an offer will be made and accepted but there have been enquiries from a number of credible developers.”

Cllr Learney added: “We have taken advice from our own external legal advisors and from leading Counsel so that we understand clearly our own position and will be able to respond quickly if and when the need arises.”