COUNCILLORS are trying to force a rethink of plans for the redundant River Park Leisure Centre in Winchester.

The city council is currently proposing to lease the site off Gordon Road to Southampton University sparking criticism that it would privatise the area.

Other suggested uses include a Lido, open air swimming pool, and a concert hall.

Now the Conservative group is calling for the proposal to be 'called in' by the Cabinet and re-examined.

The Tories argue:

o There has been no consultation with residents and councillors regarding the site;

o There has been no consultation made by Cabinet at any time particularly about the selling off of the land at below market value or the waiving of the rights of residents in relation to land ownership;

o Financial procedure rules have not been followed.

The site was acquired by the council in 1902 to be used as a public park and a legal covenant remains on the site restricting its use.

Group leader Caroline Horrill said: "Although not against the University of Southampton’s interest in the site we are challenging the processes used by the administration which we believe have been made behind closed doors."

Public opposition is organising against the council proposal with a relaunch of 'Save the Rec' which helped to stop the expansion of the leisure centre onto the cricket pitch in 2013-14. It argues that the plans breach the 1902 covenant because the university building would not usually be open to the public and it is a private commercial concern.

The leisure centre would be demolished and the land leased to the university for an expansion of its School of Art campus. The proposal is for an initial ‘lock-out’ five-year lease, followed by a 150-year lease to Southampton University.