HUNDREDS of Winchester residents visited a pop-up marquee to share their opinions on the future of North Walls.

The city council set up the consultation at the Recreation Ground on Friday March 22, and saw more than 800 attendees across two days.

It is still unknown what will happen to the River Park Leisure Centre building when the new Winchester Sport and Leisure Park in Bar End is completed.

Councillors and project representatives were on hand to hear the public’s thoughts about the building, as well as the surrounding greenspace and Hyde Abbey Garden, that marks the burial spot of King Alfred the Great.

Winchester and Chandler’s Ford MP, Steve Brine, visited the marquee on the first day, and said: “This has been such a buzzing event. It’s no surprise that people want to come and have a say about the future of North Walls.

“The council are looking to be ambitious and what’s here is a good way to engage with the public.”

Locals could write their suggestions on note and a stick it on a board for the council to consider.

Cllr Dominic Hiscock, who lives nearby in Worthy Road, Hyde, said: “It’s very important to those nearby that there is a recreation space for them in the city. River Park is constantly packed every day of the year for one reason or another.”

Some residents supported the idea of a new leisure centre, but felt the current building should be kept as a similar facility.

Lynn Watson, of Hyde Abbey Road, said: “I think we should keep it as a leisure park. The building should be at least part-maintained because it is so heavily used all year round. It would be silly to let that go to waste.”

Tina Miles, of Brassey Road, Fulflood, said: “Keep the site for recreation. The building can be used for that, and the greenspace outside, too. People can see the building as they enter the city centre.”

Others were less keen on the new site, doubting the accessibility of its location.

Rob James, of Hyde Abbey Road, said: “The new leisure centre is too far out of town, the access points are poor and the sports hall is much smaller. We should have the new one as well as this site, because people in the city centre need to access leisure facilities, too.”

Abbott’s Barton resident Neil Townsend told the Chronicle how he “likes the greenspace” at North Walls, but was hoping to see “more developed plans and suggestions” at the consultation.

He, added: “I’d like to see, if the building is demolished, some more parking for the greenspace. But that is probably against the council’s ambitions.”

Representatives from The Pavilion Project were also at the event.

The community group are working with local architects, AR Design Studio, to replace the cricket pavilion and scoring huts at the Recreation Ground.

If successful, the new building will be used by a variety of sports clubs, community groups and local schools.

Mike Caldwell, project co-ordinator and trustee, said: “It was great to have so much support for The Pavilion Project from the community.

“It is becoming clear to all that the new pavilion will play a vital part in the continuation of sport at North Walls once the River Park Leisure Centre closes in 2021.

“We are desperate to see it built by 2020. It’s important.”

Cllr Anne Weir, chairman of the town forum, said: “It’s obvious that we need to invest in North Walls. As we move the leisure centre, it brings enormous potential to the current site.”

Steve Lincoln, the current leader of the River Park Leisure Centre site project, said: “We want to find people’s views so we can improve the site and make sure it serves everybody. We are very happy with turnout so far and hope to hear from a range of people.”

A widely-supported idea is for a concert hall and cultural facilities.

l What do you think? Write to letters@hampshirechronicle.co.uk.