Winchester: Bargate acquires landmark site

Bargate Homes has announced a major deal to secure the purchase of Winchester Fire Station for a proposed £10m residential redevelopment scheme in the heart of the city.

The landmark site on North Walls is owned by Hampshire Fire and Rescue, which controls fire service assets, and will become vacant in March 2011 when the existing fire station relocates to purpose-built premises in Easton Lane, Winnall.

Proposals for the site include beautifully-designed apartments located right in the middle of historic Winchester as well as some much-needed affordable housing. Full details of which will be contained in a planning application to be submitted to the City Council later this year.

Fair Oak-based Bargate Homes is already enjoying success in Winchester with its development at Cranworth House in Cranworth Road, a short distance from the railway station.

The team, one of the most experienced in the market, has in the past been responsible for a number of other well-known developments in Winchester. Under the guise of companies such as Amplevine and Linden plc, the team was involved with Queen’s Court Peninsula Barracks, Silchester Place, The Friary and Weeke Manor.

Bargate director Angus Cook said: “Bargate will be working with The Fire and Rescue Authority, Hampshire County Council, Winchester City Council and all relevant stakeholders to deliver an exemplary residential scheme on this fantastic site.

“It’s incredibly exciting to get a project like this off the ground and everyone at Bargate is looking forward to meeting the challenge of transforming this prominent corner of the city into a development of which Winchester can be truly proud.”

The existing fire station will continue to function normally until its relocation to Winnall in March 2011. Its new home will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities enabling the Fire and Rescue Service to meet the demands placed upon it in the 21st Century.