CIVIC chiefs have bought a new site in Winchester as part of their work to enhance the city's park and ride scheme.

Winchester City Council bought the Coventry House land in Barfield Close from Vaultex UK Ltd for an undisclosed amount of money.

The purchase was funded through the council's Strategic Asset Purchase Scheme (SAPS). The Chronicle has asked the council how much the site was bought for, but a spokesman declined to give an amount, saying: "The council does not wish to comment on commercially sensitive negotiations."

Figures released earlier this year show the £30million SAPS fund has so far been used to fund the purchase of Winchester Bus Station (£4.3m) and £1m is forecast to be spent on a car park in The Dean, Alresford, by April 2019.

Councillor Caroline Horrill, leader of the council, said: "The acquisition of this property will enable the council to expand the park and ride parking scheme in the city to support our aim to improve the quality of the district’s environment by reducing congestion and improving air quality.

"This site is convenient to visitors as it is both close to the motorway, and near enough to the city centre to encourage users to walk to their destination.”

Hugh Gilmour, head of risk and security at Vaultex confirmed the sale and added that the company was delighted to be able to support the council’s aim to create a new edge of town parking facility.