WITH operators finalising plans, details on Whitehill and Bordon’s new leisure centre, set to open in 2019, are beginning to emerge.

In January, East Hampshire District Council announced a scheme to revitalise the three sports and leisure centres under its control.

This saw the council sign a deal with Everyone Active and, working together, they promised new leisure centres in Whitehill and Bordon, Alton and significant improvements to the Taro Leisure Centre in Petersfield.

The three-site project has already run into hot water in Alton, with controversy around the facilities mix at the replacement sports centre falling short of some residents’ expectations.

There has also been some concern about a lack of public consultation.

Much of the project has been bound by commercial confidentiality as Everyone Active was involved in a bidding process, competing against other would-be providers. So real details did not emerge until after it had signed on the dotted line with the district council.

As such, this has highlighted a significant shift in how leisure centres are provided.

Previous operators received an approximate annual subsidy of £300,000 from the district council to run the facilities.

However, now the dynamic has been mirrored and Everyone Active will pay the district council a similar fee - in essence a licence. So, instead of an expense, the council can expect an income. Baked into this model is an inherent need for commercial viability - these amenities must turn over a profit.

Some might consider this at odds with sports and leisure being a public service - others might think it will steer things in the right direction as the market, by default, provides what people want.

The district council certainly believes the latter and says this model - which will see centre users, quite literally, paying for it - is the fairest way.

At any rate, Everyone Active will be hoping for a smoother ride in Whitehill and Bordon as it prepares to submit a planning application in December.

This week a spokesman from the firm gave the Bordon Herald a broad overview of what the new facility will contain.

“A new state-of-the-art leisure centre, operated by Everyone Active on behalf of East Hampshire District Council, will sit at the heart of the community in the new town centre, and provide a wealth of support services and modern, top-of-the-range facilities to local residents and businesses,” he said.

“Whitehill and Bordon Leisure Centre has been designed in accordance with Sport England guidelines to ensure it caters for the activity needs of both new and existing residents.

“Its timber fronting has been designed to complement the town’s rural surroundings and green spaces, and it will be developed in line with Whitehill and Bordon’s environmental and sustainability objectives.

“Planning for the new leisure centre will be submitted in December (2017) and a decision is expected in March 2018. Subject to approval, building works will start in April 2018, with the view to open the centre in the autumn of 2019.

“Replacing the current centre at Mill Chase Academy, the new leisure centre will improve the standard of facilities on offer to people in East Hampshire. Mill Chase Leisure Centre will remain open until the new site is operational to ensure there is no break in service.”

Everyone Active also shared its most up-to-date facilities mix: “Its six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool will allow significantly more space for swim clubs and casual swimmers, as well as the delivery of Everyone Active’s award-winning swimming lessons.

“The 100-station, state-of-the-art fitness suite will be more than triple the size of the gym at Mill Chase Leisure Centre, and offer the latest cardiovascular and resistance equipment.

“The multi-use studio will be capable of hosting a range of group exercise activities and feature air conditioning and mirrored walls. A dedicated 30-station group cycling studio will facilitate both virtual and instructor-led classes.

“Separate male and female dry-side changing facilities and pool-side village changing areas will offer a clean, comfortable environment for customers and improved access to disabled users.”

Further details will be available when an application is submitted to the district council in the coming weeks.