BUSHFIELD Camp, the redundant army base on the edge of Winchester, will again come under the developer’s spotlight.

The landowner, the Church Commissioners, is launching further public consultation over developing part of the site.

They envisage a ‘high-quality employment campus’ on the former military parade ground area, of about 15 hectares, off Badger Farm Road, disused since the 1970s.

The commissioners say that most of the site, the area south of Whiteshute Ridge, will be managed to improve its wildlife value, becoming a new country park.

Badger Farm Road would be widened and the Badger Farm roundabout would be modified.

The Church Commissioners has appointed Knight Frank to market the site and find a development partner.

For decades the commissioners have attempted the develop the area for housing and also a Tesco superstore in the 1980s, but were always resisted by the city council.

The council has now earmarked the barracks area as a potential site for commercial development.

John Weir, head of strategic land investment for the Church Commissioners, said: “We are committed to working collaboratively with local groups and with businesses to ensure the right outcomes for Winchester.

“We look forward to hearing their views and suggestions at these two public meeting as we continue work to realise the full potential of the site.”

The commissioners said feedback from earlier public consultations in 2016-17 highlighted the possibility of a mix of occupiers from business start-ups to corporates.

It also said the proposals could “reverse commuter congestion around Winchester by matching local skills with proposed jobs.”