SIR: I hope it is not too late for the city council to reconsider ADAM Architecture's excellent proposals for the redevelopment of Silver Hill as featured in last week's Hampshire Chronicle (March 17).

Painful past experience highlights the risk entailed in selling off this site to a single developer. The risk would be even greater this time around, as the council would not find retreat politically comfortable should unanticipated problems regarding the developer arise.

ADAM Architecture's proposed alternative is for the council to retain ownership and to work with a master architect. Local developers and architects, for whom the project would have some meaning, would also be involved - preferable to some faceless organisation for whom Silver Hill is just another financial opportunity.

The illustrated street view proposed by ADAM Architecture sensitively combines the old, with its hint of a traditional market structure, and the new. The scale and style blend with their surroundings. The plan also includes a bus station which, in spite of local concern, was absent from the previous developer's plans as agreed by the council. (Instead, passengers were to wait at roadside shelters, with little or no proper seating.) It is encouraging to note that, in their plan, ADAM Architecture have not overlooked residents using bus travel, many of whom have health, mobility and childcare requirements and who need a bus station.

The easiest option for the council would be just to sell off the site. But whether this option would be best for Winchester itself is another matter. I believe that the retention of Silver Hill by the council would be much better. ADAM Architecture's proposed partnership working, with its involvement of local expertise, would work incrementally as leases expire. This would allow for adjustments as required and be the organic way of working, involving residents and giving them a sense of ownership. In this way, instead of an eyesore, we will end up with something that does justice to our beautiful city.

READ MORE HERE: City council wasting money over Kings Walk plans

Mary Pearson,

Manor Close,

Winnall,

Winchester

 

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.

Kimberley Barber