A SPOKESMAN representing sporting groups across Winchester has called for the council to replace the old River Park Leisure Centre.
Andy Craig, treasurer of Sport Winchester, said that the 1902 covenant, which restricts the use of land to public recreation and open space, has been “hijacked” by the city council and it needs to follow “the letter of the law but also the spirit.”
Mr Craig was speaking at a public examination of Winchester’s new Local Plan on Tuesday, June 3.
He told planning inspector Roisin Barrett: “We believe the site should be returned for sporting use.
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“Its location is really important because it is at the centre of a transport hub and it is easy for people to get to through public transport. There is a shortage of sporting facilities within the Winchester area. Across the whole district, there is a good balance, but within the city, there is a shortfall.”
Mr Craig said that, while he recognises the old River Park Leisure Centre is dilapidated, he hopes the council could look into building a new facility in that location, saying: “The building is 50 years old and it needs to go. But it does not mean that it could not be replaced with something that is fit for purpose.”
A new £40 million has opened in Bar End following the closure of River Park Leisure Centre.
As previously reported, Southampton University had previously been in talks to redevelop the River Park site.
However, the university pulled out of the deal near the end of March.
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