RESIDENTS can have their say on what they want to happen to part of Winchester when the city’s current leisure closes in a few years.

Winchester City Council will be collecting feedback from residents, community groups and anyone else with an interest in North Walls Recreation Ground at the event this week.

People will be asked how they use and value the facilities at North Walls, and seek their suggestions for future improvements.

It comes ahead of the closure of the River Park Leisure Centre when the city’s new £38million leisure centre opens at Bar End.

The event will provide updates on a recent visitor survey, and the Pavilion Project in North Walls. As previously reported, plans to replace the run-down Winchester sports pavilion with the new £600,000 facility were approved last month.

The event will also host a range of activities and sports sessions, including tennis, cricket, mini-golf, football and rounders.

Portfolio holder for environment Cllr Jan Warwick said: “This area of Winchester is very popular and this event marks the start of an important dialogue with residents to help understand the views and aspirations of the local community.

“We know that many people will be interested in having their say on the future this special area of the city.”

The event comes after Winchester City Council set up an Informal Policy Group (IPG) for the North Walls/River Park area, chaired by Cllr Rose Burns.

Cllr Burns said: “We see this as an exciting opportunity to preserve the much-loved green spaces and to enhance the sporting and recreational facilities, as well as to restore the historic landmarks and environment. It is also important to take account of the views of residents whose properties are adjacent to the site.”

The engagement event will be held in a marquee in the open space behind the tennis courts on March 22-23. The event will be open from 3pm to 7pm on Friday March 22 and at 10am to 4pm on Saturday March 23.