Major step forward for Central Winchester Regeneration

Winchester City Council has taken a major step forward by agreeing a significant milestone in the delivery of Central Winchester Regeneration (CWR).

At the city council’s Cabinet meeting, it agreed the updated CWR business case, which will now allow the council’s development partner igloo, to submit its planning application by the end of this year.

The regeneration of central Winchester represents a once in a generation opportunity to transform rundown areas of the city centre into a vibrant mixed-use area, which will provide over 200 new homes, over 3,500 square metres of commercial space and 6,600 square metres of new public squares, streets and routes, creating vibrant public spaces, enhanced bus infrastructure and a greener, more accessible city centre.

Cllr Martin Tod, Leader of Winchester City Council, said: “At a time when development projects across the country are being cancelled or put on hold, I’m delighted that we are able to move ahead.

“It’s a great scheme: stunning public spaces, attractive buildings, well-connected, pedestrian friendly - all with the highest environmental standards; bringing together a blend of homes, workspaces, culture and public areas in a way that is truly Winchester.

“Throughout we’ve been guided by our duty to our city and our district: how can we make our city stronger and the wider area stronger, with a scheme that is supported by local people.

“Others are stopping or delaying their plans.  I know some want us to stop and start all over again.  But most people want us to get on with it.   Winchester has waited long enough.  It’s time to move ahead.”

Central Winchester Regeneration strengthens Winchester's position as one of the UK's most attractive and sustainable historic cities, and the updated business case confirms that the project continues to provide strong value for money.

Since March 2025, igloo lead partner within Jigsaw by Partnerships & Places, has delivered an extensive programme of community engagement and consultation events across Winchester and the wider district, and those conversations and feedback continue to influence the planning application which will be submitted later this year.

Matt Woolgar, Development Director at igloo, said: “Reaching this milestone is a significant moment for Central Winchester Regeneration and another important step towards bringing the plans to life. It gives us the mandate to keep moving forward with purpose – working alongside the Council, our partners, local businesses, residents and wider stakeholders as we progress towards submitting a planning application later this year.

“As lead partner within the Jigsaw development partnership, we remain fully committed to delivering a scheme that is ambitious, deliverable and deeply rooted in Winchester. From the outset, our focus has been on creating a new city quarter that respects the city’s extraordinary heritage and character while bringing forward the homes, workspaces and improved public realm needed to support a more vibrant, sustainable and accessible city centre.

“We know how much this part of Winchester matters to people, and that is why the engagement and feedback we have received continue to shape the proposals. With the business case now approved, our focus is firmly on progressing a well-considered planning application that delivers lasting benefits for Winchester, while continuing to work with the Council to evolve the wider scheme and explore what more could be unlocked through future phases.”

Winchester City Council expects to receive a planning application from igloo by the end of this year. It will be considered by the council in its role as the Local Planning Authority, and will follow the normal planning processes, which includes public consultation.

‍