PEOPLE have a chance to have their say on the future of Winchester’s River Park Leisure Centre at a public meeting in the Guildhall later this month.

The city council is inviting sports clubs and other organisations and individuals who use the centre to the meeting on Thursday September 26, starting at 7.30pm.

City chiefs want to discuss the key decision facing the council of whether to revamp the existing facility or build a new facility at a different location.

Campaigners from Fit For Future, an umbrella group of local sports clubs, have argued for a new centre with an Olympic-sized pool at Bar End.

But the council’s preferred option is to replace the existing centre whilst remaining at River Park, which would be popular with many who like the current location.

Councillors and officers will present the work done so far and outline the issues, costs and different options under consideration.

Council leader Keith Wood said: “Our guiding principle is to ensure that quality leisure centre facilities continue to be provided for our residents at a cost that Winchester can afford.

“We are working on the blueprint and the method of delivery with a view to agreeing this in due course. Before that I want to take this opportunity to share the work so far with those who are interested and listen to their views so that they can inform our final decision.”