Evacuation at Winchester Sports Centre after water leak, now reopened

It was evacuated at around 8.55am with arounbd 200 people, customers and staff, evacuating the building in Bar End.

Alison Lewis, area contract manager for the operator Everyone Active, said: “We are pleased to confirm that Winchester Sport and Leisure Park is open again after a brief closure this morning.

"Swimming lessons scheduled to take place this afternoon will continue as planned. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this morning's closure."

Firefighters from Winchester investigated the problem spending around 45 minutes at the centre.

This morning Ms Lewis said: "Winchester Sport and Leisure Park was evacuated this morning due to an issue with the water mains in the centre. The building remains closed at present, but we will keep our customers informed as to when we’re able to reopen. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

The city council, which owns the centre, posted on Facebook this morning: "A team are on site working on the problem and are hoping to reopen as soon as possible."

One centre user said: "At approx 8.55 am today about 200 visitors and staff were asked to wait outside while the cause of the incident is being investigated.

"An appliance from Winchester Fire and Rescue Services is in attendance. The cause is not thought to be a fire but related to an equipment malfunction, according to an announcement made by the general manager."

The evacuation at Winchester Sport and Leisure Centre. Photo: Jonathan Gregory (Image: Jonathan Gregory)

A fire service spokesman said: "Winchester firefighters were called shortly before 9am this morning following an alarm. The alarm was caused by a water leak.

"Firefighters assisted staff to isolate the water before the incident was handed over to onsite staff and engineers.

"HIWFRS left the scene following the stop message at 9.42am."

The centre has a 50m eight-lane swimming pool and a 200-station fitness suite.