Handlebar Cafe in for planning

Date posted: September 2, 2016

An innovative new cafe, designed by local young people and supported by ArchitecturePLB, has been submitted for planning. Located on the site of a disused railway on the outskirts of Winchester, and just within the South Downs National Park, the Handlebar Cafe has been developed by SPUD Youth, an award winning programme run for young people aged 11 and upwards who are interested in architecture, urban design and public art.

Throughout the design process there has been extensive consultation both with Winchester City Council (who own the site) and the local community, in which the scheme has been very well received. Further support was provided by ArchitecturePLB, along with the local offices of Mace and Arup, with the provision of conceptual and technical advice. The young participants were given the opportunity to work with architects in our Winchester studio, learning a breadth of new skills and knowledge that has enhanced their existing studies, added significantly to their portfolios and will help them stand out from others particularly in terms of college applications.

The cafe will be situated on a national cycle route and will provide refreshments, seating and a cycle repair shop for the passing cyclists and walkers.