Future of Basingstoke's aquadrome discussed in online sessions
You can take part and have your say
Two online engagement sessions this week will launch consultation on the facilities a modernised Aquadrome could provide and how Basingstoke Leisure Park can be given an exciting and sustainable future.
The one-hour engagement sessions will give park users, residents and community groups the chance to hear more about the possible options, as well as an opportunity to ask questions. To allow as many people as possible to join, the sessions will be hosted through the website at www.leisureparkbasingstoke.co.uk on:
• Wednesday 16 February at 6pm
• Friday 18 February at 12 noon.
A team of experts has been appointed to advise the council on the future opportunities for the leisure park, with multidisciplinary architecture and urban design practice BDP working on a master plan, leisure specialists FMG looking at the most viable mix of facilities for the Aquadrome and property consultants JLL advising on market viability.
The well-used Aquadrome is a council facility, which is managed by Basingstoke and Community Leisure Trust and run by Serco. The council is considering replacing or upgrading it.
Proposed improvements for the Aquadrome could include a soft play zone, a climbing wall, a spinning studio, extra health suite facilities, a larger competition swimming pool with eight lanes, a learner pool, upgraded leisure waters with a range of fun activities and a larger fitness suite with more stations.
Cabinet Member for Finance and Major Projects Cllr John Izett said:
“A renewed Aquadrome would represent a significant investment in Basingstoke and the health and wellbeing of local people at a time when other councils around the country are cutting back on their leisure investment.
“Our leisure park and Aquadrome are among the most popular leisure attractions in the borough, enjoyed by many of our residents and their families. But they need to be updated. As a council we are committed to finding the means to deliver a modern Aquadrome and better, more exciting and environmentally sustainable attractions at our leisure park. We are holding the online sessions to give people a chance to hear more about the possible options at this early stage. Through the questionnaire we are hoping to gather lots of views to help us reach conclusions on a new master plan that will make this a ‘must visit’ place in the years ahead.”