WINCHESTER civic chiefs will decide in June whether to press ahead with plans for a new multi-million-pound Winchester leisure centre.

The city council will look at whether it wants to proceed with building a new facility on land at Bar End or refurbishing the River Park Leisure Centre.

A Cabinet meeting heard more time is needed to draw up the proposals, but criticism was also levelled at the city council from residents and councillors about a perceived lack of consultation.

As reported, the council suggests a facility could be built on what is currently a play area, artificial pitch, county council land and part of the King George V playing field.

The neighbouring Garrison Ground, east of Bar End Road, is owned by Tesco.

Council papers reveal the total cost of a new scheme is estimated at around £29 million. It would be partly funded by Winchester University.

A report also states refurbishment of the current centre built in the 1970s in Hyde cannot increase the amount of facilities and is therefore not the preferred option.

Cabinet members were told no decision will be made until further work has been done to establish the design specification and mix of facilities that the centre will offer.

Work so far has been done on the basis of a 50m swimming pool and greater facilities than what River Park Leisure Centre currently offers.

However, the council report says while some consulted say it should be more ambitious and extensive, others believe it should serve the local community and not be aimed at hosting regional events. The Fit for the Future group says a 50m pool is vital.

Cllr Jan Warwick said the council should not miss the opportunity to look at the mix of facilities closely and should look at proposals for the redevelopment of Fleming Park Leisure Centre in Eastleigh to pick up facilities it would not have.

Cabinet members also heard how there are also a number of unresolved issues around land use, access and legal status at the Bar End site.

Talks are ongoing with landowners and also with the University of Winchester, the Pindar Trust and the county council about potential joint working and financial contribution to the scheme.

A report will come back to cabinet in June, at which point members will decide whether to give the green light for the design process.

Cabinet member for housing services Cllr Caroline Horrill said she was “disturbed” to hear speakers questioning the options process the council had been through.

But council leader Cllr Stephen Godfrey said consultation began in 2013 and had narrowed the options for sites down.

Cllr Godfrey said: “There has been consultation over the last three years and there’s more to cone.

“I’m in agreement that we need to make sure we take on board all stakeholders in particular those most affected by it.”

But senior councillors agreed to publish a timetable of when decisions had been made on its website in response.

The cabinet agreed to put £80,000 towards costs for technical work and consultation, but council’s report estimated that bringing to work to fruition including consultant fees could cost £2million.

What do you think? Write to Hampshire Chronicle letters page at letters@hampshirechronicle.co.uk. Word limit 350 words.