Something Needs to be Done and Now

The current Leisure Centre building is derelict. It represents a health and safety hazard, as well as being an eyesore. It needs to be demolished, irrespective of what the intention is for the land. Currently, taxpayers are footing the bill for security, insurance and minimal maintenance of the building, as well as running the risk of massive inflation of the cost of demolition. Despite rumour, Winchester City Council is committed to meeting the cost of the demolition of the building.

The building is deemed to be structurally unsafe. The building is scheduled for demolition and is costing the taxpayer large sums of money the longer it remains in its dilapidated state, and it is a magnet for anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

At a Cabinet meeting on 08/02/24, councillors approved the following: “Proposals for the future use of the old River Park Leisure Centre site have not been determined but a provisional budget for its demolition was added to the capital programme in February 2020; £2m is profiled in 2024/25. The exact timing is uncertain and to be determined as part of the wider plans for the site. This expenditure will be funded from the capital receipts reserve and offset by any capital receipt from the disposal of the site”.

The site has only ever been for the principal use of the local community for recreational purposes and, additionally, the provision of an indoor swimming pool.

Planning conditions do not allow the repurposing of the building. Allocated use of the building on the site is currently F2 ‘local community use’. Use Class F2 uses are protected for local community use. There are no permitted development options for use Class F2; therefore, any changes of use will require full planning permission.

The building should be demolished.