Councillors have approved the release of nearly £3 million in developer funding to support a new indoor aquatic adventure zone at the Whitehill & Bordon Leisure Centre.

The scheme, featuring a splash pad, water slides and interactive water features, moved a step closer on Thursday, November 27, when East Hampshire District Council agreed to commit £2.86 million collected from housing developers in the area.

A further £250,000 will be put into the scheme from other funding sources and the remaining £893,000 will be borrowed.

Cllr Andy Tree, EHDC deputy leader and portfolio holder for Whitehill & Bordon, introduced the proposals.

He said: “I am pleased to see plans for the Whitehill & Bordon Leisure Centre Wetside Extension, which will introduce a new splash pad featuring interactive water play elements and water slides.

“The new facility will support active play, promote water confidence and offer year-round enjoyment, while promoting a healthy lifestyle.

“Our young families will benefit from this local investment within Whitehill & Bordon, and it will also draw in families from outside of the area, benefiting residents across East Hampshire and supporting our local economy.

“I will continue to work with council officers, partners and the community to make sure the new wetside extension becomes a space that local families can enjoy and be proud of.

“I look forward to seeing the project move into its next stages and will keep residents informed as further details are confirmed.”

The new 539 sq m extension is intended to address a lack of family-focused leisure provision within the district and forms part of the wider regeneration of Whitehill & Bordon town centre.