CIVIC chiefs have announced Everyone Active as the preferred operator for Winchester's new £38million leisure centre in Bar End.

The company currently manages over 170 leisure sites across the country in partnership with more than 50 different local authorities, including Fareham Leisure Centre.

Winchester City Council said during the bidding process they were also able to propose a customer-focused service, with a strong digital emphasis.

Places Leisure, who has worked in partnership with the council to run River Park Leisure Centre for the last 26 years, will continue to provide services until the new building opens in early 2021.

Councillor Lisa Griffiths, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said: “Everyone Active’s innovative and inclusive approach to programming and services is precisely what we need to make our new state-of-the-art sport and leisure centre a resounding success.

“They focus on ensuring that activity programmes are available to all members of the community. For instance, they will set aside times where specific community groups will be able to use certain facilities for free.

“We are looking forward to working closely with Everyone Active over the coming months and years to develop excellent health and wellbeing programmes that are tailored to the needs of our residents.

“River Park has been a well-used and well-run leisure facility for many years and our residents can now look forward to a new venue in 2021. We will continue to work with our current River Park Leisure Centre operator, Places Leisure, to provide a good service to users.”

Duncan Jefford, Everyone Active’s regional director, added: “Winchester City Council is investing heavily into the district’s leisure facilities, and we are thrilled Everyone Active has been selected to help them build on this and create a healthier, more active community.

“Everyone Active has extensive experience of managing facilities that offer first class services to the community and we are looking forward to working alongside Winchester City Council to make the new Winchester Sport and Leisure Centre a flagship facility within the area.”

Construction on the new centre is planned to begin in the spring.