A FITNESS venue has reached a landmark figure since opening 18 months ago.

Winchester Sport and Leisure Park reached a major milestone of one million visits on Thursday, November 10.

General manager Nigel Ashton handed over a hamper prize to Rosie Bellerby and her daughters who were the one-millionth customers.

The centre, run by Everyone Active in partnership with Winchester City Council, opened in May 2019 and cost £43m to build.

The Bar End facility boasts a 50m pool, sports hall, four squash courts, three fitness studios, a 200-station state-of-the-art fitness suite, hydrotherapy and treatment rooms and climbing walls. 

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Contract manager at Everyone Active, Alison Lewis, said: “We’re delighted to have reached this milestone after what has been a difficult few years for the leisure industry.

“We’re passionate about providing first-class facilities for everyone to use, so it’s fantastic to welcome so many people through the doors and continue supporting them all to stay active.”

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Winchester City Council’s cabinet member for business and culture, Cllr Lucille Thompson, added: “Winchester Sport & Leisure Park has been a huge success with local people. We’re very proud to have created a facility that makes health and wellbeing opportunities accessible for everyone.

“Reaching a million visitors already says it all – our residents really love their leisure centre! Congratulations to the Everyone Active team as they pass this significant landmark.”

Collectively, both Winchester Sport & Leisure Park and Meadowside Leisure Centre in Whiteley are home to 5700 members, including 1400 swimmers on its swim scheme.

Everyone Active aims to increase the participation of local people in leisure activities, advocating a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise five times per week.