The city context
The Station Approach area is in a key position in the city. The railway sits in between the historic centre and the growth of new neighbourhoods.
The Station and the City, in Winchester’s past and present
Winchester in the 19th Century
Typical characteristics of the Victorian city:
- Historic medieval city core maintains a strong relationship with the Itchen river and the landscape.
- Close connection between town and country – many views to landscape.
- Defining component of Winchester’s urban landscape are the large trees within the city, as observed by Keat’s (see below).
- Railway line and station building outside the historic city wall – areas around station more fragmented and less urban.
Winchester in the 21st Century
Characteristics of Winchester today:
- The railway station today is no longer on the periphery, but central to the city.
- The station and railway line today divides the western areas of existing and future city growth, from the historic and economic city core to the east.
- The Station area needs to be less of a physical barrier and more of an economic asset with the city.
- Overarching character of the Winchester city scape has been retained over time, the sense of a city nestled amongst the wooded downs.
“The whole town is beautifully wooded – From the hill at the eastern extremity you see a prospect of Streets, and old Buildings mixed up with Trees.”
John Keats in a letter to Fanny Keats, sister, 29 August 1819
Winchester’s growth over the years
Key
- Historic core
- 20th and 21st century expansion
- Future growth areas
- Historic routes
- 21st century routes