WINCHESTER City Council has appointed an urban architect firm to develop proposals for a new creative quarter.

Turner Works will undertake a feasibility study for Kings Walk within the Central Winchester Regeneration site, better known as Silver Hill.

Up to 50,000 sq ft of work space could be available and will enable the use of currently largely empty, council-owned offices, whilst plans for the wider project are finalised.

Turner Works has a track record of transforming underused spaces to support creative workspace, social enterprises and start-ups, including in Peckham and Brixton.

The firm aims to shape a plan that would support culture and creative enterprise, with an emphasis on providing opportunities for younger people. The feasibility study is expected to be completed soon.

Cllr Kelsie Learney, cabinet member for housing and asset management, said: “I am thrilled that Turner Works will be helping us develop innovative plans to reinvigorate Kings Walk.

“There is enormous potential to breathe new life into this currently underused part of the city. A creative and cultural hub would provide space for local and independent enterprises to thrive. Turner Works also has a track record of designing projects that bring benefits directly back to the community, which is really important to us.

“This project will be a step in creating the vibrant mixed use quarter incorporating the imaginative re-use of existing buildings envisaged by the Central Winchester Regeneration Supplementary Planning Document which achieved incredibly strong public support.”

Turner Works will partner with Worthwhile Works, a Winchester based organisation with knowledge of the district’s creative and cultural communities.

Founding Director of Turner Works, Carl Turner, commented: “We are really excited about the possibility of bringing under-used buildings and spaces back to life and creating a platform for young people in Winchester. We are collaborating with Worthwhile Works who will be reaching and out to people and organisations to garner feedback about the types of spaces and facilities that are missing.”