Winchester bids for River Park site close April 12 amid covenant debate
The 12 expressions of interest for the Gordon Road site have sparked a debate over whether to break the 1902 recreational covenant. Council officers insist the process remains objective, but residents question the future of the green space.
The deadline for formal bids on the River Park site in Winchester closes Sunday, April 12, following a year of uncertainty after the University of Southampton withdrew from purchasing the 15-acre plot in Gordon Road.
Key Points
- ✅ Bidding deadline: April 12, 2026
- ⚡ 12 expressions of interest received but no shortlisting
- 💡 Council may break 1902 covenant if a strong bid emerges
Emma Taylor, Winchester City Council’s regeneration officer, confirmed in a March 16 committee update that the council aims to finalize a contract with a preferred bidder by late May, pending planning viability. "We have requested that the public remain involved in the process, including the outcome," Taylor said. "This is a difficult site to develop, and we’ve been transparent about that."
| Aspect | Council Statement | Resident Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Covenant | May be broken if a viable proposal emerges | Should remain for recreational use under 1902 agreement |
| Housing | Local plan does not designate site for housing | Fear of future residential development |
| Transparency | Bids assessed objectively; highest price not automatic | Demand for clearer public engagement |
Cllr Danny Lee (Green for Central Meon Valley) challenged Taylor on the 1902 covenant, arguing the site should remain recreational. Taylor acknowledged the council *could* break the covenant but stressed the local plan’s non-housing designation would complicate any residential scheme. "If it is housing, it will be very difficult to have a scheme on this site," she said.
Cllr Stephen Godfrey (Conservative for Micheldever & Wonston) pressed Taylor on objectivity in bid assessment. "We need to justify any decision that doesn’t go to the highest bidder," she replied, emphasizing a multi-criteria evaluation focusing on deliverability and community benefit over price alone.
Cllr Martin Tod (Lib Dem for St Paul), leader of Winchester City Council, framed the process as an opportunity to incorporate resident feedback and secure broader benefits from any developer. "We are trying to balance public views with the economic potential of the site," Tod said.
📋 By The Numbers
- 15 acres — Size of the River Park site in Gordon Road
- July 2025 — Council placed site on market after Southampton University’s withdrawal
- March 2026 — Public committee update confirming bid timeline
The debate reflects broader tensions in Winchester over development versus conservation. While the council frames the process as pragmatic, residents like those represented by Lee argue the site’s historical recreational purpose must be preserved. Taylor insisted the council would weigh all bids on merit, not just financial return. "We’re not shortlisting expressions of interest," she said. "Each bidder must submit a full proposal for independent evaluation."
💡 Pro Tip
Prospective bidders should prioritize detailed community engagement plans in their proposals, as the council places significant weight on demonstrating social impact alongside financial viability.
With less than two weeks until the bid deadline, the council faces a tight timeline to review submissions and address public concerns before making a decision that could reshape a cherished local space.