A DEAL has been struck between Tesco and the city council over the Garrison Ground in Winchester.

As revealed by the Chronicle last month the council has been thrashing out a £2 million deal for the playing field at Bar End.

The agreement paves the way for new plans for the leisure centre to relocate from the city centre to a new building on the edge of the city.

The deal ends Tesco's interest in trying to develop the land, next to Bar End Road, for housing, but preserves its current sporting-related use.

The council had been working on plans to place a sports centre closer to King George V playing fields.

But many Highcliffe residents and community groups felt that the Garrison Ground area would be preferable. This had not been possible whilst it remained outside the Council’s ownership.

Council leader Stephen Godfrey said: "We want to provide a replacement sports and leisure centre for Winchester that offers opportunities to improve health and well-being for local people for years to come. We are working closely with the University of Winchester, the Pinder Trust and Hampshire County Council to deliver this vision.

"We have negotiated fair commercial terms with Tesco with whom we have had a good relationship over the Garrison Ground for some time. I am delighted that we can now resolve the uncertainty which has surrounded the area at Bar End for many years."

Alec Brown, Communications Manager on behalf of Tesco, said: "We have been working closely with the council who have leased the playing fields from Tesco for a number of years. We are pleased to have reached an agreement and hope the sale means that the site continues to contribute to the Winchester community for many years to come."

Professor Joy Carter, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winchester, said: "This project is a huge opportunity for the Winchester city and region to have access to new and improved sports and leisure facilities. The university remains committed to working with the city council to help make the project a success and to secure the future health and well-being of the city."

the news has delighted Emma Back of Winchester Sports, Art and Leisure Trust (SALT), who said: "Winchester SALT is committed to working with Winchester City Council to protect the Garrison Ground for community use in perpetuity.

"We're excited by the prospect of a new sports and leisure centre being built there, and by the opportunity this presents to enhance the entire Bar End recreational area and improve community access to it."