Civic chiefs have agreed a development partner for a major scheme in the city centre.

Winchester City Council's cabinet agreed the chosen developer for Central Winchester Regeneration (CWR) on March 6.

The city council in 2021 relaunched its redevelopment of Central Winchester, centred on Silver Hill.

The previous scheme fell apart in 2016 following a legal challenge by Kim Gottlieb.

The chosen partner has now been decided. Its identity will be revealed on March 20.

The winning developer, referred to as Bidder E, scored a total of 82.29 per cent in the selection process.

The meeting heard that 13 potential development partners registered an interest in the scheme, with a shortlist of three chosen.

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The cabinet meeting debated the report in detail, with the meeting lasting more than five hours.

Former city councillor Ian Tait gave a deputation and was disappointed at the lack of concrete dates in the report for when work would start.

Mr Tait said: “To say this is deja vu is an understatement. I cannot see anything which says when anything will be built. I don't believe it. Nothing is new here. I got elected in 1999 and nothing is new.

“The public want a commitment to a timescale. They want to feel something concrete is happening. Pin yourself down to a date and commit yourself to it.”

Veryan Lyons, head of programme for CWR, said: “The first six months will be working with the developer to agree the development delivery plan. This will set out the dates. 

“The planning application will come 12-18 months after that, with the formal planning process lasting between three and six months.”

This means that the planning application could be submitted next year, with building work starting in 2025. 

Conservative group leader Cllr Caroline Horrill asked about the finances of the scheme.

Mrs Lyons said: “It's important to work with the development partner to manage the risks.”

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Cllr Martin Tod, leader of the council, said: “We are deliberately taking a very careful and considered approach. It's a balance between thoroughness and moving ahead. It would be a risk for the city to not consider this carefully.”

Cllr Lucille Thompson said: “This is a very exciting decision to be making. This project has been hanging around for more than 20 years. There is excitement and apprehension due to the history of the site.

“We should not forget why we are doing this. It's about growing and supporting our local economy. Also, smartening up a neglected and abandoned part of the city.”

The name of the chosen development partner will be made public on March 20.