Please click one of the links below to read the specific parts of the project

Background
Vision Objective
Proposals
Rationale
Activity

Background:

Built as a council housing development in the 1970’s the Friary is now a large mixed tenure (private ownership and social housing) housing estate which backs onto the ring road, A338 Churchill Way South and the roundabout with the A36 Southampton Road. Access is from Exeter Street with a secondary access point to a small part of the estate coming off St Ann Street. The estate is characterised by two storey houses and three and four storey blocks of flats – all with flat roofs. Parts of the Friary have excellent views of the cathedral tower and spire.

Back to top

Vision Objective:

Maintain the Friary as a housing area but redevelop as a high quality mixed-tenure scheme with a high level of affordable housing

Proposals:

  • Any such scheme for the Friary to go ahead only if:
    1. existing tenants of the Friary are actively involved in the design of any replacement scheme
    2. existing tenants are given priority consideration for housing within any replacement scheme
  • Development should be divided into blocks that allow frequent visual, pedestrian and servicing connections particularly to Friary Lane and Exeter Street
  • Any buildings that may make an architectural and urban design contribution to the vision for the area should be retained
  • New development should ensure the protection and enhancement of key views to the Cathedral
  • Investigate the provision of cycle/pedestrian and bus routes from the A36 roundabout to Exeter Street
Back to top

Rationale:

  • To address the issue of a large, relatively isolated and soon to be outdated housing development in an important part of the city
  • To provide additional affordable housing
  • To be an integral part of improving the Eastern Gateway approach to the city
  • To provide a better visual and physical link through to the city centre for people living in the Friary and for those who might wish to pass through it

Activity:

Detailed work on this project is yet to begin.

Back to top