CIVIC chiefs have ticked off another key milestone in building Winchester’s new £38million leisure centre.

Key figures in the Bar End sports and leisure centre project descended on the Garrison Ground, the location of the new facility to start the construction process.

As previously reported, councillors gave the final approve to get the project under way last month, despite concerns from opposition Liberal Democrats over the size of the sports hall and the finances of the scheme.

The new centre will include a 50m pool, separate training pool, hydrotherapy suite, fitness suits, treatment rooms and eight-court sports hall.

Among the partners gathered at the ground-breaking ceremony were city council leader Cllr Caroline Horrill, Hampshire County Council leader Cllr Roy Perry, deputy vice-chairman of Winchester University Neil Marriott and The Pinder Trust trustee Christine Cunningham.

Both Winchester University and The Pinder Trust, as well as Hampshire County Council have committed to investing in the project.

Speaking at the event, Cllr Horrill said: “Top class sport and leisure facilities for Winchester have today become a reality. I’d like to thank all those who have been involved in this fantastic project so far; to all those who have worked tirelessly to bring the project to this stage and to all those who have given their support to help make it happen”.

Richard Poulter, managing director of the builders Willmott Dixon Construction, added: “We are delighted to be starting work on this fantastic new facility for the local community. Having constructed many leading sports and leisure facilities, we know the huge positive impact these centres have on the local community they serve. We are thrilled to be part of the team.”

There was also praise from Angus Sladen, chairman of trustees at charity The Pinder Trust, who said: “The Pinder Trust has been associated with hydrotherapy since the early 1970s and we are delighted to be helping to fund the hydrotherapy suite at the new centre. We believe it will be a superb facility which will serve people in the community with disabilities, as well as many others who will benefit from it.”

Cllr Roy Perry added: “We are pleased to have contributed to this important project and to have worked closely with Winchester City Council colleagues so that not only all those who are currently living, studying and working in Winchester, but also Hampshire residents living further afield, in other parts of the county, have regular access to specialist treatment facilities, under one roof.

“The hydrotherapy suite in the new centre will be a much-appreciated, county-wide facility.”

The city council also confirmed contracts have now been signed Everyone Active, who will manage the centre on behalf of the city council.

The centre is due to open in 2021, and will replace River Park Leisure Centre.