by Gerry Warren

gwarren@thekmgroup.co.uk

Development plans for one of the most prized sites opposite the city wall have been put out to public consultation by the city council.

The land, facing Rhodaus Town and currently occupied by the Peugeot garage and filling station, is the size of four football pitches. But the council believes it has far greater potential for a high-quality mix of residential, retail, tourism and commercial use.

Last April Christ Church University said it was working with a developer on proposals to build a huge hall of student residence on the site with up to 450 flats.

But now its director of facilities management, Lee Soden, says the university no longer considers the project viable, although it still supports the idea of more student purpose-built accommodation.

The development brief, considered by the council executive recently, says it is a regeneration area which should look at the adjacent newly built Augustine House as a model for the quality of any new building work.

The report adds: “This area is directly opposite the historic city walls and forms a backdrop to the redeveloped Whitefriars area. It is therefore extremely important that the appearance and use of the land enhances the overall impression of the city.

“Augustine House sets a benchmark for high-quality, contemporary design.

The city council will continue to seek a high quality of design, environmental enhancements and improvements in pedestrian access.”

More information about the consultation is available on the city council website www.canterbury.gov.uk under the 'have your say’ section.