THE Silver Hill scheme as we know it appears to be over.
Winchester councillors have voted to drop the developer behind the £150 million regeneration and are set to walk away in a matter of days.
But this is just the latest in a series of U-turns, challenges and political struggles dating back two decades.
Here is a potted summary of how we got to this stage:
1996-98: Study identifies development potential of Broadway-Friarsgate area. Council unveils plans for redevelopment involving new bus station, 20-30 flats, a health centre and 1,500 square metres of small shops
2001-04: Thornfield Properties chosen as developer and expands scheme
2005-07: Criticism about excessive secrecy over project. Local architects criticise it as a “huge juggernaut” but Government resists pleas to call it in
2009: Planning permission granted for Thornfield development 2010: Scheme is thrown into jeopardy as Thornfield enters administration, but council leader George Beckett vows to press ahead. Henderson Global Investors – later known as TH Real Estate – confirmed as new development partner
2011-13: Public inquiry into compulsory purchase order, forcing Silver Hill landowners to sell their plots, hears that new retail and bus facilities are essential for the future of Winchester. London & Henley launches failed legal challenge in bid to hold onto land
More on Silver Hill >
2014: Council approves revised application dropping bus station and affordable housing, as Henderson says financial climate makes cut-rate homes unviable. The decision helps spark a thousand-strong protest (below) and legal challenge from Conservative councillor Kim Gottlieb. Revised scheme given planning permission
February 2015: Cllr Gottlieb wins legal battle as High Court rules the council unlawfully handled the scheme by failing to invite bids from other developers. Council leader Rob Humby, deputy Vicki Weston and Labour scrutiny chief Chris Pines resign as 2014 changes are quashed
May - June 2015: TH Real Estate restores 2009 plans, which it says are now viable again, and suggests work could start before 2016
July 2015: Council, now led by Stephen Godfrey, turns down chance to end contract amid fears of delay and legal action. TH Real Estate indicates it will start work on site by Christmas
December 2015: TH Real Estate writes to council to warn 2009 scheme is unlikely to go ahead before crucial deadlines. Company chief Mike Sales asks for more time, claims the project will fail to meet building standards and raises prospect of legal action against the council if they walk away
January 2016: Council hands ultimatum to developer and votes to terminate contract
For reaction, comment and what comes next for Silver Hill, pick up the Hampshire Chronicle on Thursday February 4.
A selection of Chronicle articles from the scheme's recent history can be found on our special Silver Hill page.
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