A new Aquadrome

The well-used Aquadrome is a council facility, which is managed by Basingstoke and Deane 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.

A formal search for a partner to deliver the new water and leisure complex to replace the Aquadrome is now under way. We are inviting initial proposals from leisure specialists interested in designing, building and running the new energy-efficient centre to replace the council-owned Aquadrome, subject to getting planning permission, as part of a competitive procurement process.

This is after the council’s decision-making Cabinet approved the range of new facilities and how the new centre would be delivered, at a meeting in February 2024.

Leisure specialists are being invited to submit first stage proposals by Friday 20 December. Following detailed work with short-listed suppliers that demonstrate the relevant interest, experience and capability to deliver the project, it is anticipated that a preferred partner would be identified, approved by Council and awarded with the contract in May 2026.

This includes the management of Basingstoke Golf Centre, while the council continues to explore options to re-provide the facilities currently on offer at the site, following an in-principle deal with Great Wolf Resorts which, subject to planning permission, paves the way for it to build a new indoor water park resort on the land.

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.

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 2027 and the facility could open in 2029, if planning permission is approved.