Station Approach, Winchester
Client: Winchester City Council
Role: RIBA Competitions and Client Adviser
In 2016, Sarah Williams was invited to join Winchester City Council’s RIBA competitions panel, helping to select a winning multidisciplinary design team for a transformative mixed-use masterplan in the heart of Winchester. The commission focused on two key development sites adjacent to the railway station, alongside a wider public realm strategy to guide future regeneration by both public and private sector partners.
Following the appointment of LDS Architects and their team, Sarah was retained by Winchester City Council as their RIBA Client Adviser. In this role, she provided ongoing guidance and strategic support to the Council team and elected members, helping to shape a clear brief and ensure the evolving proposals aligned with the city’s ambitions. Working closely with the client and design team, Sarah helped refine the brief, review the design, advise on costs and procurement, and inputting into all aspects of the project as it developed.
The Station Approach regeneration project is a key component in the Council’s wider vision for the city. It aims to deliver high-quality, commercially viable development while enhancing the character of this important gateway to Winchester. The scheme is set to foster a vibrant mixed-use environment, improve public spaces, and strengthen pedestrian and transport connections—ultimately creating a welcoming and distinctive arrival point that reflects the heritage and aspirations of the city.
“Sarah was then commissioned by Winchester City Council as their RIBA Client Adviser for the Refurbishment of a key building within the Central Winchester Regeneration (CWR) area, Coitbury House. The vision for the Central Winchester Regeneration Area is for the delivery of a mixed-use, pedestrian friendly quarter that is distinctly Winchester and supports a vibrant retail and cultural offer, which is set within an exceptional public realm and incorporates the imaginative re-use of existing buildings
On both the projects, Sarah has assisted with a huge variety of issues, supporting and advising members and officers on the developments at all stages of the process including governance issues, briefing, procurement, budgeting, risks, design, programme, appointments and services and delivery.”
Ian Charie, Head of Programme, Winchester City Council
