Works to enhance the frontage of the Casson Block on St George’s Street, Winchester, are due to begin next week.
Winchester City Council has responded to calls from tenants of the building to make improvements including extending the usable area outside of the businesses, and making it more inviting for pedestrians. Plans are available at www.winchester.gov.uk/business/casson-block/
Cllr Steve Miller, Portfolio Holder for Estates and Local Economy, is looking forward to seeing the enhancements take place. He said: “We pay great attention to the wishes of our local businesses as well as our residents and visitors. The Casson Block enhancement scheme is one example of us making real improvements to our beautiful city, and ensuring our public areas reflect the needs and wishes of those using them today.”
The scheme will see an extension to the usable area outside the businesses, renewed lighting and the installation of planters to make the area more appealing for pedestrians and customers, as well as those passing by on St George’s Street. The existing shrubs, previously a fountain, to the east of the building, will also be removed with plans to provide an area for public art currently being formed.
Catherine Turness of Winchester BID has helped the project team liaise with the local businesses. She said: “Businesses have been seeking improvements to the Casson Block for some years. It’s a positive step that the Council have made to invest in this area to create a more welcoming environment for visitors. The work will also likely benefit neighbouring businesses in Upper Brook Street and Parchment Street as the building and its walkthrough provide a good link to both streets but is currently underutilised.”
Winchester City Council has led the development of this area in partnership with Winchester BID and the tenants of the Casson Block. The project is one of a number of schemes Winchester City Council is developing including enhancements to St Maurice’s Covert and the Station Approach development. Together these schemes seek to make Winchester city centre a more enticing place for residents, businesses and visitors to be, providing the right infrastructure and environment for a thriving economy.
For more information about the Casson Block enhancement scheme, contact Kate Cloud, Head of Economy and Arts, at kcloud@winchester.gov.uk or telephone 01962 848 563.
