THE man brought in to oversee major schemes in Winchester is to leave the city council after three years.

Chas Bradfield departed the council at the end of March it was announced at a recent Council meeting.

Mr Bradfield as ‘Strategic Director - Place’ was overseeing the major redevelopment schemes in the city centre or “strategic leadership of the place shaping agenda” according to his LinkedIn profile.

It continues: “Ensuring high quality development and delivering on the council’s ambitions to deliver physical, economic and social development on a sustainable basis. A highly visible role with a strong emphasis on collaborative working. Oversight of operational performance to ensure that individual teams are aligned to the overall strategic vision for Winchester.”

Progress on Station Approach and Silver Hill, also know as Saxongate and Central Winchester Regeneration, has slowed considerably, not least because of uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

City councillors gave Mr Bradfield an ovation at the virtual meeting.

The Chronicle has asked the council why Mr Bradfield is leaving but awaits a response.