Wincheap regeneration project

Current situation

It had been planned to adopt the Wincheap Development Brief in April 2008 following amendments made as a result of the formal consultation carried out this spring. However, the Council chose not to do so, pending further consultation on the proposal that there was no scope to locate the city's 4th Park and Ride site inside the Estate boundaries.

The possibility of the 4th Park and Ride site being located in the Wincheap estate has only arisen because of the Minister's decision in principle to allow new slip roads to be built at Wincheap on the A2/A28 crossing; and because of the possibility of being able to have the slip road construction funded by a combination of county council and developer contributions. By definition, however this also means that, potentially, there may be other sites near to the A2/A28 junction, which could provide a better location than Faulkners Lane at Harbledown.

The Local Plan requires that we investigate sites on the A2 corridor for the 4th Park and Ride. We have already done that from Brenley Corner to the A2 Harbledown junction, which led to the decision that, currently, Faulkners Lane is our preferred site. We now, clearly, have to carry out further work to assess, against the same criteria as were used at Harbledown, whether there might be a better site near the A2/A28 junction.

As we are carrying out this work, we will also include the Wincheap Estate as one of the possible sites, in order to review the existing work. We will also check whether there are any sites farther out from the City on the A28, which may provide a better alternative relocation site for the current Wincheap Park and Ride site. There will need to be public consultation on the outcome.

This work will take most of this calendar year, and as the outcome will have potential implications for the Wincheap Development Brief, we have taken the view to defer a decision on that brief until the further work and consultation on the 4th Park and Ride site is complete.

We will hold all representations so far made on the development brief and re-present them when a decision is to be taken. We hope that you will take part in the subsequent consultation and look forward to hearing your views.

Canterbury City Council has selected the leading property and investment company Capital and Counties to work in partnership to produce a masterplan for the redevelopment of Wincheap Estate.

The first stage of this will be a one year exclusivity period, during which the council and Capital and Counties will undertake further site investigations alongside local businesses and residents. It is hoped this will result in a viable master plan that addresses local needs. The council will continue to be advised by Donaldsons, a leading provider of professional advice and services in this area.

Objectives

The council is committed to improving the social and physical environment through promoting the development of modern facilities, which will improve the local infrastructure.

Regeneration is key, not only to Wincheap estate itself, but also to the wider area as a gateway to the historic City of Canterbury. The overall aims are to provide:

• A more diverse and attractive place to work and live.
• A destination for visitors and shoppers.
• An effective and sustainable workplace with improved connectivity to the city.

The uses that such a development should include are: retail, housing, hotel, business, leisure, recreation and open space provision. The following highway improvements are sought:

• Reduce congestion along the A28.
• Improve the environment along the existing A28.
• On and off slips to the A2.
• A new link road through the estate.

The council is also considering the expansion of the Wincheap Park and Ride facility, as well as options for a fourth Park and Ride site.

Find out more

Wincheap regeneration newsletter

View the latest copy of the Wincheap Regeneration Newsletter for further details, avaliable to download on the right hand side under Downloads.

About Capital and Counties

Capital and Counties is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty International Plc, a FTSE 100 company. The company holds a property portfolio valued in excess of £1.6 billion and is a growing business with a long and successful track record.

Capital and Counties have strong corporate social responsibility policies formulated over many years and recognises the importance of community engagement to achieving long-term success.