Sir John Moore Barracks - Stage 4 final MasterPlan
Sport Winchester is extremely disappointed that the final stage proposals for the development of the Sir John Moore Barracks have ruled out any retention or renewal of the core sporting facilities on the site.
A number of clubs currently use many of these facilities, including swimming, Rugby and football, on a site that currently has six sports fields, a 25 m pool, two sports halls, multiple gym areas, and sports pavilions. This site has the potential to provide the wider Winchester city area with much needed and identified centre for sport and recreation in the fast growing northwest quadrant of the city.
There is no indication of how current sporting commitments will be met elsewhere should this scheme go ahead as planned, or how it meets with the relevant requirements and identified shortfalls of the Local Plan. Sport Winchester urges the Council to insist on a specific level of community infrastructure levy from the DIO that is adequate to replace these lost facilities at another suitable location.
Both Sport Winchester and a substantial number of sports clubs have actively communicated the need for use of sporting space at this site over the last six years, have made numerous widely supported proposals during every stage of consultation, and tried to engage with the DIO and key Councillors to achieve a better result for the community here, but it would seem all this constructive work has regretfully been ignored.
The proposed development plan shows the retention of just two grass football pitches and a small 5 a side pitch area.
Sport Winchester would like to see the Council or incoming unitary authority have a clear strategic plan for the location of replacement and additional sporting hub in this area to replace, enhance and increase the provision of sporting facilities.
Andy Eymond – Chair of Sport Winchester commented “It's always disappointing to see that much needed housebuilding, which can generate developer and community tax dividends in the form of Community (CIL) funds, are not reinvested in community sports and leisure facilities. In this case of Sir John Moore Barracks, the situation is even more catastrophic with existing - well used facilities being lost. There is no indication of how current sporting commitments will be met elsewhere should this scheme go ahead as planned, or how it meets with the relevant requirements and identified shortfalls of the Local Plan. As a growing vibrant city, Winchester is falling significantly behind in providing community infrastructure for active healthy lives and something needs to be done to change that.”
Key copies of previous submissions to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and Council on this ATR site by the Sports Clubs and College of Winchester are available below:
2023 The further coordinated feedback on sport club needs and potential for SJMB provision
2024 Brief report by Sport Winchester sent to all Winchester City Counsellors of the wider city area
2024 Post site visit by sports club representatives to Defence Infrastructure Organisation