20 Nov 2013
River Park centre plans unveiled
BY Martin Nash
Winchester City Council is considering the options for a revamp of the city's 40-year old River Park Leisure Centre at North Walls.
The options for the future of the centre include refurbishing the existing facility; a new build to the north of River Park; a rebuild occupying part of the current site; and two different sites at Bar End playing fields.
Council figures indicate that 'modest improvements' to keep the centre going for 10-15 years would cost between £6-7m, whilst the cost of a modern, high quality replacement would be at least £14-17m. However, it is felt that since interest rates are relatively low at the moment, the necessary borrowing would be a viable proposition in the short term.
As part of the process, a public exhibition is being held at both the DC Leisure-run facility and at Winchester Guildhall from 18 November until 2 December. Residents will also be able to discuss the various alternatives with staff and councillors at the Guildhall on 26-27 November, with any comments being considered by the full council in December.
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