Public views sought on redevelopment of River Park Leisure Centre

Southampton University is inviting people on Saturday to the start of the public consultation over the future of the centre and surrounding land.

The city council plans to transfer the leisure centre and part of the car park to the university, sparking opposition from nearby residents who have set up the Friends of River Park.

The friends launched an unsuccessful legal campaign to stop the transfer, arguing the land was given to the people of Winchester for recreational purposes in the early 20th century.

READ MORE HERE: Cashless new leisure centre criticised by city councillor

Staff from Southampton University will be at the School of Art cafe on Park Avenue on Saturday March 4 from 11am to 2pm.

The university, proposing to expand its School of Art campus, wants to hear people's ideas.

City councillor John Tippett-Cooper, who lives near the park, said: “It’s really good to see the University now being able to start the conversation with the local community as to what they’d like to see happen with the dilapidated leisure centre building.

"There’s been a lot of incorrect information out there about what the University have planned that has worried some people. For example, none of the green spaces of North Walls park are affected by the plan and the skatepark is completely protected.

"The University plan will only involve the dilapidated old leisure centre building and a piece of the car park. It’s obvious the University - working with the community- want to enhance and protect the natural environment and build a facility that may include flexible, exciting performance, exhibition and cafe space for both young people and the community that will be fully accessible from day one.

"I think one of the main things that people were concerned about was not having enough of a say as to what would replace the dilapidated leisure centre. This is now their chance (and there will be more opportunities) to help shape the new plan for this site.”