In a public briefing yesterday evening, the University of Southampton and Winchester City Council announced that they plan to enter a partnership to develop land at the River Park Leisure Centre, adjacent to Winchester School of Art.
The University, working with Winchester City Council, has held a series of stakeholder briefings in recent weeks. During these events, the university has outlined its ambition for a state-of-the-art, sustainable campus in Winchester that offers benefits to students and staff as well as the city’s economy. Opportunities to develop youth employability and retention of the existing green space and outdoor public leisure facilities surrounding the site were also highlighted.
The University will now embark on a full consideration of how the site could be used. The only certainty at this point is that it cannot be used for student accommodation.
Winchester City Council’s Cabinet will consider awarding a five-year pre-lease to the University for consultation on the River Park site at its meeting on 23 November. This would enable the university to consult with staff groups, communities and neighbours to develop proposals to expand the University offering in the city and bring forward a planning application. If successful, a long term (150 year) lease would be awarded.
Wendy Appleby Vice President (Operations) of the University of Southampton commented
“The University is keen to strengthen and enrich our existing relationship with the city of Winchester and is excited to work with local residents and businesses. As a Russell Group University, we bring world class research, internationally recognised education and outstanding enterprise opportunities to the partnership. During the next five years we look forward to thoroughly exploring what we can bring to this site for the mutual benefit of our academic community and the people of Winchester.”
Cllr Kelsie Learney, Winchester City Council Portfolio Holder for Asset Management, said:
“This is an exciting prospect for Winchester, as it looks to the long term recovery from the pandemic, and we’re in alignment strategically in terms of our priorities as a council – to boost the economy, offer opportunity, develop sustainably and consider the cultural offer in our vibrant city.
“We’re keen to support our key partner organisation as they explore the options available to them and will be looking at this in more detail, along with other proposals for the site, in the lead up to our Cabinet Meeting.”
