PLANS to rejuvenate Kings Walk are progressing after two planning applications were approved.
The proposals are to install new lighting out the Nutshell Theatre, covert the bin area on Tanner Street into an events space and to put branding around the outside of the building on Middle Brook Street, Silver Hill and Tanner Street.
In the long term the Kings Walk building will be demolished as part of the new Silver Hill scheme, also called the Central Winchester Regeneration.
The applications, submitted by Winchester City Council, were discussed at the meeting of its planning committee on October 7.
One objection was submitted by one of the business owners nearby, in relation to the events space.
Louisa Bond said: “I run Winchester Pilates situated in Middle Brook Street above Poundland. We are based on the first and second floor and have windows on three sides of our premises which overlook the Nutshell and the loading bay.
“If the loading bay becomes an events space I am seriously concerned that the noise will impact our business as we are open from 8am until 9pm, seven days per week. We have no objection to lighting changes in the Kings Walk but noise will adversely affect our ability to operate commercially.”
READ MORE: Kings Walk: City council reveals detailed plans for revamp
Cllr Therese Evans said: “It's very disappointing that nobody has come to speak in support of the application. I support this. It will improve the public realm and the events space is a good use of that area.”
Cllr Jane Rutter said: “The whole area has significantly improved. The fences outside have worked really well. Let's get on with it so we can knock the wretched building down and start again.”
The application for the branding, will see graphics put on the walls with the Central Winchester Regeneration logo on the Silver Hill side.
The City of Winchester Trust objected to the plan. It said: “Temporary proposals to decorate the brick walls in Silver Hill and Tanner Street are unnecessary adornment and inappropriate to the character of the conservation area. The Trust therefore objects to this application.”
Cllr Frank Pearson said: “Tanner Street does need beautifying. I would be happier with mosaics on the wall which would look more permanent.”
Cllr Rutter said: “It will be a more attractive area. Let's get it done.“
Both applications were permitted by the committee unanimously.
The council had come under fire for its creative quarter plans by seeking to evict two long-established traders, Sukee Market and Sunflowers Emporium. The council has backtracked and granted them a one-year reprieve.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel