We're working on bringing family friendly facilities to Whitehill & Bordon Leisure Centre
A new aquatic adventure zone for children is a step closer to Whitehill & Bordon Leisure Centre after EHDC’s Cabinet meeting on Thursday night.
Plans are in place to extend the leisure centre, which opened in 2020, and incorporate an aquatic adventure zone. The final Splashpad design is not yet complete but waterslides and interactive water play areas are under consideration.
Cabinet has recommended to council that the work be accounted for in the forthcoming budget.
The proposed new indoor swimming facility would be ideal for young families with market research showing there is a huge demand for this type of attraction. Families will be drawn from neighbouring areas to enjoy it, so the council will look to part-fund the project with developer contributions from other authorities.
Research shows that Whitehill & Bordon is the best location to host it, allowing easy access for residents from around East Hampshire and further afield.
Currently the only leisure pool in the district is in the Taro Leisure Centre, in Petersfield. Whereas the Taro Leisure Centre and Alton Sports Centre offer family and junior activity facilities, there is currently nothing for that age range at Whitehill & Bordon Leisure Centre.
Cllr Richard Millard, EHDC Leader, said: “We are always looking to improve the leisure facilities in East Hampshire.
“An aquatic adventure zone would be the perfect addition to the other brand new facilities already delivered in Whitehill & Bordon.
“The leisure centre itself was only opened in 2020 and if we can extend it with a new fun pool and splashpad it will fill a gap in the market by providing a dedicated leisure water space for families."
Cllr Andy Tree, EHDC Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Whitehill & Bordon, said: “Whitehill & Bordon is the perfect spot for an exciting facility like this which would increase water confidence for young children and create an opportunity for families to come together, and enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.
“There is nothing else quite like this in the wider area and once it is in place it will draw people into the town from around the district and from neigbouring areas, bringing more footfall and more money into the town.
"When we as councillors are elected to serve residents, it is incredibly exciting to be moving forward this project.”