NEW photos show the state of the River Park leisure centre in Winchester.

River Park was closed following the construction of the new leisure centre in Bar End, run by Everyone Active.

The new photos show the outside of the building, which has been covered in graffiti.

As previously reported, The Friends of River Park have been challenging the city council's proposal to lease part of River Park, including the redundant leisure centre, to Southampton University.

READ MORE: Campaigners unsure over future action against city council

The university intends to extend its School of Art campus on a 150-year lease.

However, The Friends say the whole park was intended to be for the people of Winchester in the early 20th century and not to be leased to anyone.

The organisation said: "We will now consider our options in regard to the legal challenge to the disposal of the River Park site to the University of Southampton which has not, so far, been successful."

Winchester City Council has been contacted for comment.

To see the photos, click the image at the top of the article.