A £40m leisure centre has been a success since it opened despite recent staffing problems, according to its management.

Winchester Sport and Leisure Park's advisory board meeting heard the about the 'impressive' numbers of visitors it has had over the last few months, however management admitted lack of staff has seen it struggle at times.

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The centre, in Bar End Road, opened in May last year and has seen a steady increase in visitors and membership over that time.

It is run by Everyone Active, with staff giving the advisory board updates on what the park has been doing.

Craig Budden, Everyone Active general manager, told the board that their were 154,000 visits between October and December, with 45,348 of those being concessionary.

Swim only membership had grown 81 in the same period, from 247 to 328. Also 46 accidents and incidents were reported with no pool rescues.

Chair of the board, Cllr Angela Clear, said: “I've been impressed with your presentation today, thank you. You've achieved much since you opened in May 2021. I know you've had a few hiccups but these things happen.”

Cllr Sue Cook raised a question about staffing at the centre. Cllr Cook said that on several occasions, she had asked a question to staff when using the facility and had been told they are too busy to be able to deal with it.

Hampshire Chronicle: A tour through Winchester Sport and Leisure Park, which opened on Saturday

Alison Norman, area contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “Recruitment is a problem, we are doing our best where we've got gaps. We've been challenged with Covid, sickness and with people self-isolating. Recruiting is a challenge, so we're under the cosh most of the time as are most other businesses. The team here are bending over backwards to keep the operations going.

SEE ALSO: Photos of the new Winchester Sport and Leisure Park

“We know there's room for improvement. In the run-up to Christmas, we had a number of colleagues who had to self-isolate. But we're coming out of this now and have six new starters this week which is incredible.”

Cllr Chris Edwards asked a question regarding the parking at the centre. He said: “The car park is always full, which shows the park is doing well. How will this be managed?”

Mr Budden said: “This is something we noticed more since the start of the year. We've been in communication with Winchester City Council about car park management. Additional cycle sheds have recently been put up.”

Cllr Clear concluded the meeting. She said: “I say in the year you've had, you've done extremely well.”

Work started on building the site in March 2019. The centre, built by Willmott Dixon, boasts extensive pool facilities including a six-lane 50m main pool, teaching pool and splash pad, as well as The Pinder Hydrotherapy Centre providing a range of aquatic physiotherapy services.

It also has a 200-station gym, two large fitness studios, sports hall activities and climbing wall, plus beauty rooms and café.

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