WINCHESTER civic chiefs have launched a competition for the best ideas to regenerate the Station Approach area.

The brief for the competition was developed following public consultation and closely involved organisations such as the City of Winchester Trust and local neighbourhood groups.

It incorporates feedback on the importance of building a ‘sense of place’, underlining for potential developers what the area needs both for the community and for businesses.

Qualified architects are invited to express an interest in taking part in the competition to design the development which will include offices, shops, public areas, parking and some housing.

Stephen Godfrey, council leader, said today: “The council wants to revitalise the area of Winchester between the Cattle Market and the railway station and this competition marks the first stage in an exciting project."

Cllr Godfrey added: “We aim to attract high quality and experienced architects to work with us to ensure we support the commercial needs of Winchester as well as ensuring local character is respected and complemented.”

The design jury to review the competition entries will be announced shortly and will make a recommendation to the Council’s Cabinet in March next year.

Designs will be considered first for the Carfax site and a strategy for the public spaces or ‘public realm’ will be developed too.