In March, Winchester City Council approved the disposal of a large section (17%) of the Winchester Recreation Ground, or River Park, to the University of Southampton, without first asking the public. The scheme will enable the University to create a massive expansion of their Central Winchester Park Avenue Campus and Read more…
You will probably be aware that on Thursday 10th March, the City Council’s Cabinet took the decision to sell, by granting a 150-year lease, the River Park Leisure Centre site to the University of Southampton. This decision was taken despite 438 written objections by the public, and the views of Read more…
Yesterday, Winchester Lido group threw their backing behind the Friends of River Park (FoRP) campaign. We are delighted to have their support. Winchester lido “River Park urgently needs your help! Following the council’s sign off to sell part of River Park to the University of Southampton, Winchester Lido are Read more…
Councillors agree to sell leisure centre despite dozens of protesters calling for adjournment at Winchester Guildhall. https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/19979553.councillors-agree-sell-leisure-centre-despite-dozens-protesters-calling-adjournment-winchester-guildhall/
A last-ditch call has been put out to all Winchester residents concerned about the Council’s proposals to hand over the part of the North Walls Recreation Ground on which stands the redundant River Park Leisure Centre, the Indoor Bowling Club and the skate park. At the Council’s Cabinet meeting on Read more…
Letter to Councillor Lucille Thompson Thank you for your pro forma response to our carefully considered letter of objection. Unfortunately, it does not begin to address the issues raised. You say, in essence, that this is the only scheme which would work on this site and that there is a Read more…
The park is well used and loved by many. For instance, there are dog walkers and fitness groups throughout the day, school children before and after school, families throughout the week, and sports teams and clubs in the evenings and at weekends. It is a welcoming green space for visitors Read more…
The land lies in the city ward of St Bartholomew. The three Ward Councillors recently sent round a circular. They said, “We wanted to send you an update on plans for the old River Park Leisure Centre as this has a direct impact on so many St Bartholomew residents, and Read more…
This land is a Public Park, for public recreational use, and that is the way it should stay. From 1902, the Recreation Ground, including the area of the redundant Leisure Centre, the Indoor Bowling Club and the Skate Park, has belonged to the residents of Winchester. The area is designated Read more…
Summary of what Winchester City Council says it intends to do The decision taken by the Council’s Cabinet (NB NOT Full Council) on 23rd November 2021 – but rescinded on 25/01 because Friends of River Park pointed out it was unlawful – included the following: Cabinet agreed, as landowner of Read more…