Leisure centre plans given green light

Plans for a new leisure centre have been given the green light by central government.

Rushmoor Borough Council was previously awarded £20m of Levelling Up funding for a planned leisure centre in Farnborough, but was unsure whether this money could still be used after the scheme had to be revised.

But at the start of February ministers gave permission, and councillors voted to adopt the new scheme on 11 February.

Gareth Williams, leader of Rushmoor Council, said the leisure centre was an "absolute priority" and would help improve health in the borough.

"We know from the conversations we have had with residents that a new leisure centre is an absolute priority and that they want their children to learn to swim and keep active," he said.

"We also need to improve opportunities for all residents to keep fit, and that is what we are delivering."

The leisure centre is set to include a 25m (82ft) swimming pool, a learner pool, a gym, three fitness studios, a toddler play area, a cafe, and a wellness hub to help people less mobile to do low-impact exercise.

The leisure centre would be built on the current Queensmead surface car park, with the existing leisure centre site handed over for new homes.

"This is a much-needed facility for the town," said Mr Williams.

"Our aim is to put in for planning permission in the autumn, after we've consulted with residents, and then we plan to start building early next year."

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