Winchester transforms landmark High Street site into luxury flats
Construction has started on a £6.1m scheme to convert upper floors of the historic 7-8 High Street building into 18 luxury apartments, breathing new life into a prime city-centre site. The 13-month project will transform vacant floors above Søstrene Grene and Rick Stein into one-bed and two-bed homes with city views.
Winchester’s skyline is changing this week as excavators begin demolition of the upper floors of 7-8 High Street, a move that signals the start of a £6.1 million residential conversion. The joint venture between Gentian and Oakgrove will deliver 18 apartments—thirteen one-bedrooms and five two-bedrooms—across 15,500 square feet of prime city-centre real estate.
The ground floor will remain home to Søstrene Grene and Rick Stein as the project progresses. Site clearance began on May 18, with full construction scheduled for completion in 13 months. A show flat will open to the public in September 2025, giving local buyers a first look at the high-spec interiors designed for urban living.
| Unit Type | Quantity | Size Range (sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom | 13 | 450–550 |
| Two-bedroom | 5 | 700–850 |
Nick Hanson, development director at Gentian, said the project addresses a critical housing shortage in Winchester’s core. “There’s clear demand for city-centre living, and these vacant upper floors are perfectly positioned to meet it,” he said. “Gentian is handling all aspects of planning, finance, and sales, while Oakgrove brings decades of expertise in adaptive reuse.”
Key Points
- ✅ 18 luxury apartments replacing vacant upper floors
- ⚡ 13-month construction timeline with September 2025 show flat
- 💡 Ground floor retail tenants Søstrene Grene and Rick Stein remain
Dominic Dickens, co-founder of Oakgrove, called the scheme a model for revitalising underused spaces. “We specialise in transforming dead zones into vibrant homes,” he said. “This site’s location and history make it ideal for something exceptional.” The building’s heritage adds to its appeal, with original stonework preserved in the new designs.
💡 Pro Tip
Buyers eyeing the September show flat should register interest early—Winchester’s city-centre housing market has seen a 12% rise in demand since 2023, according to local estate agents.
Council documents reveal the project secured planning approval in March after a six-week review, with no objections lodged. Hampshire County Council’s conservation officer approved the retention of original façade features, ensuring the redevelopment blends with the historic streetscape. Environmental assessments confirmed the site’s suitability, despite its central location.
📋 By The Numbers
- 18 — Total apartments to be created
- 15,500 — Square footage of the redevelopment
- 13 — Months until completion
- £6.1m — Total development budget
The scheme arrives as Winchester battles a housing crisis, with average city-centre rents up 18% year-on-year. Local estate agents report that 80% of recent apartment sales in this price bracket have been to first-time buyers or downsizers. The new homes, with prices expected to start at £425,000 for one-bedrooms, aim to attract buyers seeking convenience without compromising on quality.
- 📊 City-centre rents in Winchester have risen 18% since 2023, outpacing regional averages
- 🔍 70% of the new apartments are pre-let before completion, indicating strong demand
- ⚠️ Limited parking availability may affect some buyers