Winchester’s new leisure complex, currently being built at Bar End, has been officially named.

The name Winchester Sport & Leisure Park was chosen to reflect feedback from the public to keep the name simple, clear and incorporate the importance of developing a facility surrounded by parkland.

The new Lib Dem adninistration has scrapped the Conservative idea to have a more obscure name, with their proposed names including Chalk Flowers, The Mint and The Soke.

The centre, which will be run by leading leisure operator Everyone Active, is due to open in early 2021.

Cllr Malcolm Prince, Cabinet Member for sport, leisure and communities, said:

"We want the name to reflect the importance of developing a park, with facilities for all types of sport and leisure pursuit. The clear message was to keep it simple and ensure it incorporates the Winchester name. This park represents the first step in creating sustainable, accessible sport and leisure facilities for everyone in our district.”

The 50-metre swimming pool is beginning to take shape, with the tank excavation now complete, while builders Willmott Dixon are also laying pipework, concrete works and the foundations of the building.

As well as the 50m pool, the new centre will include a training pool, multi-use sports hall, fitness suite, squash courts and hydrotherapy suite.

The facility is being funded by the city council with financial contributions from Hampshire County Council, the Pinder Trust, and the University of Winchester.