Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has provided a “first look” a £59.7 million investment to build a new leisure complex in Basingstoke, Hampshire, to replace the ageing Aquadrome. The project is the largest single investment ever made by the local authority and aims to provide modern fitness and swimming facilities for residents.
The new building will feature a 25-metre competition pool, a teaching pool, and water flumes for family use. Inside, visitors will find a 150-station gym, exercise studios, an indoor play area for children, and a café for refreshments.
Based on feedback from the community, the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council added several premium features to the design. These include a luxury health suite, a Pilates studio, and courts for padel, which is a sport similar to tennis.
The council is also increasing its support for local social services by providing a £56,000 annual grant to Citizens Advice Tadley. Additionally, a £54,000 fund has been approved to continue a pilot drop-in service that operates out of various community centres across the area.
A formal planning application for the new leisure site is expected to be submitted in the summer of 2026. Council leaders expect to appoint a partner to help deliver the project in the spring of 2026 as part of a wider plan to modernise the town leisure park.
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