AN attempt to gather ideas for a major Winchester redevelopment got underway with a two-day planning weekend.

Councillors and members of the public came together to discuss the multi-million pound Silver Hill scheme, which the city council is attempting to resurrect following the project's collapse last year.

Representatives from architects JTP were on hand to gather thoughts on how the re-vamp should go ahead, leading workshops and hands-on planning sessions.

The public had previously been invited to share their vision for the site at a roadshow which visited the city's Sunday Market, Winchester railway station, Bishop's Waltham and Alresford this month.

At the first workshop of the weekend the public were invited to write down their problems and dreams for the site on post-it notes.

Among the problems raised were ensuring good traffic movement, retaining the historic character of the city and creating an 'economically-active' site.

Possible ideas that were raised included re-locating the High Street's market, a cultural hub and affordable housing.

A-level Geography students from Andover College also fed their views back to the event following a walk-about in the city.

Concerns had been raised at Winchester's Town Forum this month about getting a 'broad spread of opinions' on the redevelopment, including those from young people.

Kim Gottlieb, the councillor whose legal action helped de-rail the scheme in 2016, said of the weekend: "It seemed to go very well and to produce the volume of public response that JTP were hoping for. Their team included some very interesting and thoughtful speakers.

"I was particularly heartened to hear so many people promoting the idea of heritage-led development, and that there was a broad interest in archaeology, high-quality architecture and civic minded uses. There seemed to be a lot of support for a proposed Anglo-Saxon Museum.

"The proof will be in the pudding as and when JTP rationalise the information they gathered. One thing that is particularly important is that the council doesn't just treat the exercise as the public consultation box being ticked.

"There needs to be further consultation undertaken at all the critical planning and design stages, but I'm sure that our new administration has this in mind."

JTP will report back their findings from the weekend on April 4 at Guildhall Winchester.  

Following the report back the JTP team will develop the proposals and draft a Supplementary Planning Document for the area.