CHANGES to a Winchester playing fields will be discussed with the public next week.

The city council's landscape and open spaces team is holding an open event to discuss improvements to King George V (KGV) Playing Fields on July 17 from 3-7pm.

The meeting will be at All Saints Church, Petersfield Road, Highcliffe.

The drop-in event will cover all aspects of the playing fields including the sports pitches, a new pavilion, the play areas at KGV and Gordon Avenue and creating wildlife areas.

As previously reported, the area is next to the proposed new sports and leisure centre.

There will be an opportunity to find out about Allegra’s Ambition and the plans to build an outdoor gym/trim trail.

The council is keen to hear ideas and to share the latest thoughts on open space in Highcliffe and in particular King George V Playing Field.

This information will then help develop a plan for the site which will sit alongside the proposed Winchester Sport & Leisure Park.

For anyone unable to make this event there will be an opportunity to look at the information on line as well as further opportunities to get involved going forward.

Installing a new pavilion on KGV is a long-held ambition of the council. Its ear-marked to support outside sports and be the new home for the boxing club as their Garrison Ground premises will be demolished to make way for the proposed Sport & Leisure Centre.

Cllr Jan Warwick, portfolio holder for the environment, said: “KGV is a well-loved and well-used outdoor space that is home to football clubs and cricket teams It is an extra playing field for All Saints School, a popular dog-walking area as well as being a green area where families can stretch their legs, roam and play safely.

"We’ve listened to residents comments about the location of consultation events and we hope that by holding it in All Saints it will be handy for residents to come along and share their ideas.

"We want to get the balance right, so this is a great opportunity for the community to talk to us at an early stage so we can work together to shape the future of KGV playing fields.”