WINCHESTER’S River Park Leisure Centre could close for up to six months for major repairs.
Council chiefs hope to carry out a £1.5m upgrade in mid-2011 to reopen before a predicted rise in demand linked to the 2012 London Olympics.
A report to Winchester City Council’s cabinet said the electrics, machinery and other heavy equipment at the Gordon Road centre needed an overhaul.
It said that demolishing the 35-year-old venue — which was rebuilt after a fire in 1987 — might be a long-term option.
However, the cost of a new centre would be £22m to £25m, and the authority does not have the cash, the report said.
Centre users such as the Penguins swimming club will have to find alternative venues.
For full story see this week's Hampshire Chronicle.
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