IMPROVED leisure facilities for Winchester have moved a step closer as the University of Winchester and Winchester City Council are working in partnership to explore possible options for the development of a sports and leisure centre at Bar End in Winchester.

Winchester City Council and the university have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on the project.

The university has in principle undertaken to contribute £6m towards the centre, which could cost around £25m.

The partnership is driven by a shared objective to see improved sports and leisure participation developed in Winchester.

The initial work being undertaken as part of the project is to gather the views of stakeholders and the public, including university students.

The council and university will then explore various options for a sports and leisure centre before presenting a preferred model to the council cabinet and university board in March.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winchester Professor Joy Carter said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for us to work together to shape sports and leisure participation in Winchester.”