Major plans for a new development on the edge of Winchester could include an outdoor swimming pool.

Bloor Homes hosted a webinar on the theme of ‘How do we build a healthy new community?’.

The masterplan for Manor Park was unveiled in July, which includes a park and ride, a primary school, a tennis facility, and a large country park.

The scheme, at South Winchester Golf Club, has plans for around 1,000 homes and 50 per cent of the site will be retained as green space.

At the webinar James Matcham, strategic land director at Bloor Homes, was asked if the proposals could include an outdoor pool.

READ MORE: Manor Parks: Bloor Homes plans for South Winchester Golf Course

Campaigners wanted a lido at the former River Park Leisure Centre site in Winchester which is earmarked for future use by the University of Southampton. 

Mr Matcham said: “We are looking at that, watch this space. Over half of the site (at South winchester) will be retained as green space to encourage greater bio-diversity. Health and wellbeing is very high on the political agenda. 

“We want this to be the best it can be for Winchester. We acquired this site as a long-term commitment. It will be an exemplary new community.”

The webinar on Wednesday November 1 heard from Dr Andrew Buroni, director of health and social impact assessment at Savills.

He said: “We need to work collaboratively with the community. The legacy of this development is significant and enduring. These developments will be here forever, so we can't miss opportunities. 

“The health of the population of Winchester is better than the national average. Winchester is also one of the happiest places to live, but it does have an ageing population. Mental health is also showing signs of decline. 

“There are also pockets of deprivation and poor health. 

“There is the loss of a golf course. But we're keeping 50 per cent of the green space, which is the ideal. It will reduce pressure to accommodate natural population growth.”

Dr Buroni added that the scheme could include a school with high special needs capabilities and a children's home.

Bloor Homes acquired the freehold of the golf course in 2021, but reached an agreement with previous owner Crown Golf that the club will be allowed to remain open until at least 2026.

The golf club opened in the 1990s after it was previously Manor Farm. The historical farm structures were incorporated into the club buildings.

For more details, visit manor-parks.com.