A new Aquadrome

The well-used Aquadrome is a council facility, which is managed by Basingstoke and Community Leisure Trust and run by Serco.

We are proposing to build a new modern Aquadrome, with options drawn up by sports and leisure sector experts exploring current usage, gaps in what is provided in the area and wider trends. The proposals include moving the facility to a more prominent position at the leisure park on land currently used for car parking next to Buzz Bingo.

The council is also investigating how car parking could be better located and provided to support the new complex and other existing facilities and free up more space for sites for new attractions and improvements.

At a meeting in February 2024, the council’s decision-making Cabinet approved the range of new facilities that could be provided and how the new energy-efficient centre will be delivered.

Improvements being proposed

Swimming

• 25 metre eight-lane pool (two lane increase)
• 20 metre four-lane learner pool
• Leisure water including upgraded slides

Health and fitness

• 150-station gym
• Three large studios
• Spinning studio

Soft play

• Multi-level play frame

Climbing

• Indoor adventure climbing

Party rooms

• Three flexible rooms to support parties

Café

• New café in reception with access to soft play

Working with potential leisure providers, other additions to the facility that could be considered could include extra water space, a sports halls or spa. And, as part of this project, the council is keen to explore whether there are options and opportunities for providing for ice skating facilities for the future, if needed.

The proposed facilities have been developed based on feedback provided as part of a consultation on a modernised or new Aquadrome ran during February and March 2022 and activities identified in the borough’s Leisure and Recreational Needs Assessment.

Next steps

Following approval by Cabinet in February 2024, the formal search for a leisure specialist to design, get planning permission for, build and run the new council-owned centre at Basingstoke Leisure Park will now start.

It is expected that a planning application for the new complex would be submitted in summer 2026 and the facility could open in 2029, if planning permission is approved.