New phase of leisure centre work
Cost and income projections for improved leisure facilities in Winchester are being examined in detail.
The City Council’s Cabinet decided on 3 December 2014 to narrow consideration of a replacement leisure centre to one option at River Park and two at Bar End plus the option of refurbishment.
Following a competitive tender, work has been commissioned from RPT Consulting to look in depth at the finances of these options, including possible contributions from funding partners.
RPT Consulting worked with Portsmouth City Council to develop the £20m Mountbatten Centre and has sound understanding of the local market working on projects in Fareham, Test Valley and East Hampshire.
Cllr Frank Pearson, Leader of Winchester City Council, said:
A great deal has been said about the possible location of a replacement for River Park Leisure Centre and about the mix of sports facilities it ought to offer. Equally important is what it will cost and how it might be paid for.
This new phase of work is essential to help us understand what is feasible. If the Council is to consider an investment of up to £30m, it will need to look for funding partners and be realistic with the people of the Winchester district about what this choice would mean for other services and projects in the next 10 or 15 years.
The analysis is due to be completed in spring 2015.