A MAJOR city centre project could create more than 1,000 new jobs in Winchester when complete, according to a new city council report.

The Station Approach scheme, which is now in its second incarnation after the initial project collapsed two years ago, aims to see the area around the train station, including the Carfax and Cattle Market sites, redeveloped.

Now, a report claims 1,110 jobs could be created through one of the major elements of the scheme – the creation of new offices in the city centre.

The report, which is due to go before Winchester City Council’s Station Approach committee this afternoon, says: “It remains clear that there is significant market interest in high-quality Grade A offices in Winchester – an offer which is currently substantially lacking in the city.

“The Carfax site, adjacent to the station, remains the prime location for such provision, giving full opportunity... to create a new gateway ‘hub’ in this location and help achieve substantial wider economic regeneration.”

According to the update that councillors will receive today, the scheme now has support from both the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Hampshire County Council (HCC).

Mark Baulch, head of policy and representation at the chamber of commerce, said: “Several of our members have expressed specific interest in better office space in the city, especially close to public transport services.”

Mr Baulch added that one business had been forced to move out of the city due to the current shortfall.

David Fletcher, assistant director for economic development at HCC, added: “Station Approach offers an exciting opportunity to significantly refresh the city’s credentials as a business location and as a commercial centre.”

The report also states that a planning application is proposed for submission in March.