Residents to get their say on concept masterplan showcasing how barracks could be re-developed

Two public consultation events are to be hosted by the Ministry of Defence next month on the future use and development of Sir John Moore Barracks in Winchester.

They will see the launch of a ‘concept masterplan’ for the site, showcasing how the military barracks could be re-developed when the Army leave.

Local residents will have the opportunity to comment on the proposals.

The concept masterplan proposes:

• Up to 900 high quality energy efficient homes, alongside a range of supporting facilities. Delivery of 40 per cent as affordable housing, in an area where affordability issues are amongst the most acute outside London and the South East
• Extensive walking and cycling links to connect the development with the surrounding area and site for the northern Winchester Park and Ride that will support frequent fast public transport access into Winchester.
• A heritage trail, naming the development and the repurposing of existing buildings are some of the features to retain and celebrate the site’s military history.
• 60 per cent of the site will be green open space and woodland, including a 6.7 hectare nature park between Littleton and the new development.
• Retaining the majority of mature woodland, with significant opportunities to enhance biodiversity and create new habitat – particularly in the northern training fields.
• Up to 1.9 hectares of sports playing fields/pitch space and the potential retention of the existing sports complex and swimming pool.

For those unable to attend the consultation events, the concept masterplan is also available on the project website at www.sirjohnmoorewinchester.co.uk

The website includes an interactive map where residents can comment on each part of the proposal and make recommendations.

Sir John Moore Barracks is due to be sold when the Army close the site from 2026 when it is allocated for a development of between 750 and 1,000 homes in Winchester City Council’s  draft Local Plan.

This is the third stage of public consultation following initial shaping events in November and December last year, and a series of open workshop sessions between December and May.

There was also a guided site tour for nearly 100 people who signed up for the event to walk the space and experience the scale of the site and the opportunity it presents.

Robert Smith, Head of Major Disposals at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation Estate Division within the Ministry of Defence, said: “We are extremely grateful to the great many residents and stakeholders who have provided well over 1,000 items of feedback on the future of Sir John Moore Barracks, and the project team has been working hard to deliver a concept masterplan that takes all of this into account.

“It is important to us that we create a proposal that balances the various constraints and opportunities on site to deliver an exciting new neighbourhood and community for Winchester that celebrates the legacy of the site while promoting sustainability and biodiversity.

“We look forward to hearing the views of the local community at these events to further shape and refine our planning, and we hope to see as many of you as possible.”

Feedback from the consultation events will be reviewed before a refined concept masterplan is presented to WCC’s Cabinet for formal consideration, before a final stage of public consultation prior to the submission of an outline planning application.

Next month’s events are:

Wednesday 4 September, 2-6pm – Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall, The Hall Way, Littleton, Winchester SO22 6QL

Thursday 5 September, 4-8pm – Weeke Community Centre, Taplings Rd, Weeke, Winchester SO22 6HG