PROGRESS on Winchester’s new Sport and Leisure Park has reached “some critical milestones”.

City councillor Malcolm Prince said that despite the recent weather proving a challenge, the building is now ready to be tested for water tightness.

“In recent months the roof work has commenced, external cladding is being erected and the construction of the pools has been completed and these will now be tested for water tightness,” said Cllr Prince, who is also cabinet member for sport, leisure and communities.

“However, the last few months of rain and high winds have been challenging. The council team and Willmott Dixon have been working closely together and review the programme regularly.

“The anticipated starting date in the early part of 2021 is still on track.”

When completed, the centre will house a 50m pool, a separate training pool with movable flooring, a sports hall, four squash courts, 200 gym stations, two large studios and one spin studio.

There will also be a hydrotherapy suite, eight treatment rooms and a clip and climb facility.

Everyone Active has been chosen as the provider of choice.

The recent heavy rain has seen the Environment Agency issue a flood warning for the River Itchen through Winchester including a thin sliver of land that runs across Bar End Road to the southern part of the site which is earmarked to be retained as playing fields.