A 'vision' for part of the Christchurch Civic Offices site was unveiled to town councillors in Christchurch recently.
But it appears the so-called 'concept' was not supposed to be circulated, leading to some confusion from members.
Members of Christchurch Town Council heard a presentation from Churchill Retirement Living last month on their new plans for the former gas holders land off Bridge Street, which forms part of the Civic Offices site.
But during the talk, it is claimed representatives from Churchill circulated a document entitled 'masterplan', understood to be from BCP Council's Future Places company.
What is Future Places?
Future Places is a wholly owned urban regeneration company set-up to deliver BCP Council's ambitions to deliver investment.
Christchurch Civic Centre was originally named as one of the company's targeted sites.
It is understood the 'masterplan' document was re-collected when it became clear those present at the meeting hadn't seen the so-called concept before or were even aware of it.
The Civic Offices site has been at the centre of speculation since 2016 when plans for a marina were leaked to the Daily Echo.
No formal plans have ever been brought forward for the valuable site as yet.
Last month, Churchill unveiled a proposal for 170 homes on the gas works site. The developer said they had been working with adjoining landowners and BCP Council to develop its plans as part of the emerging Local Plan.
'No masterplan' as yet
In response to the retracted masterplan, a FuturePlaces spokesperson said: “FuturePlaces has yet to start work on a long-term masterplan for the former Christchurch Civic Centre site, instead focussing on how we can use the current building and site in the short to medium term and the improvement of its setting.
“Churchill Retirement Living own the site next door, and we recently provided them with a one-page concept drawing outlining our early thinking around urban design principles and “greening” BCP Council car parks in this area, alongside thoughts around new, improved public toilets, to help them in the context of work they are doing on their site.
To be clear - no master planning on redevelopment across the site yet done. Focus is short term - ie uses for current building and how to improve the car parks by making them greener etc. Hardly game changing. But still important to do.
— Philip Broadhead (@PhilBroadhead) March 24, 2022
"This document is in no way a masterplan for our site, but rather provides context for Churchill’s own emerging masterplan for their site to ensure that we can work together in a joined-up way. Our concept drawing does not suggest any change to our current buildings, which in fact are greyed out, though it does include a capacity assessment of the rear car park.
Read more: A look at Christchurch in the Local Plan consultation
“Moving forward, we will shortly be starting work on a 360-degree consultation with the local community and stakeholders as we start to think about our longer-term vision for the former Christchurch Civic Centre site, which will be led by that feedback.”
A spokesperson for Churchill said: "Our plans for the site are at an early stage and whilst we shared our emerging vision for the site, there are no fixed plans at this stage and Churchill will continue to work with BCP Council and the local community to realise a positive redevelopment of the former gas works site.
"Before a planning application is prepared, Churchill will therefore undertake consultation to ensure that the local Christchurch community are at the heart of discussions to bring forward plans befitting of this fantastic location."
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