BUILDING work on a new £35 million sports centre is on course, a public forum heard.

The Winchester Sports and Leisure Centre is taking shape at Bar End and is due to open in early 2021, replacing the River Park Leisure Centre.

The public had the chance to hear about progress from the contractors and operator at a forum in the Guildhall last Friday.

A topping out ceremony is due to take place in March, a city council spokesman said.

Meanwhile future use of the current River Park Leisure Centre and its site is being considered by the council.