THE first pictures of Alton’s proposed new ‘leisure’ centre have been released, showing the scale and quality of the new family-friendly facility.

The new centre, an investment of nearly £20m, will be open to the public in 2019 and will replace the current 1970s-era building.

The pictures show an artist’s impression of the building’s exterior, as well as digital renderings of the new facilities inside.

A joint project between East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) and contractor Everyone Active, who will run the centre, the new building will be built on the all-weather pitch behind the existing sports centre.

Elected to the post last Thursday, new district council leader Richard Millard said: “Alton is ready to receive a fantastic new leisure centre that will be a huge improvement on the current facility.

“With a climbing wall, fitness studios, soft play, improved swimming pool, gym and spa, this will be the perfect modern facility for Alton’s families.”

He continued: “Delivering a project of this scale is no easy task for any council, especially in these financially-straitened times.

“Any facility must be financially viable but, thanks to the partnership we have agreed with Everyone Active, we will not only be able to provide a new centre in Alton but also a new centre in Whitehill and Bordon and a refurbished-facility in Petersfield.

“It (the Alton Leisure Centre) will be a wonderful facility, the best in East Hampshire, a real benefit for families in Alton.”

The state-of-the-art facility will be home to a large, 130-station fitness suite which will be spacious enough to house the latest cardiovascular and resistance equipment as well as keeping dedicated areas for stretch and free weights.

An extended spin studio will include more bikes and even hi-tech ‘virtual reality spinning’, giving spinners an exciting, interactive experience.

An extensive range of exercise classes will also be hosted in two purpose-built fitness studios.

Additional facilities, including two glass-backed squash courts with spectator viewing, a climbing centre and children’s soft play zone will further extend the range of sport and leisure activities available.

The centre will also feature a destination spa that includes a range of treatment rooms and recovery areas, including a sauna, steam room, and hydro pool.

It will be built alongside the town’s current centre, so there will be no break in service while construction goes ahead.

The building will also have a six-lane, 25-metre indoor pool with electronic timing for competitive events, a learner pool with movable floor, and a larger, more family-friendly changing facility with more baby changing rooms and larger family cubicles.

As well as offering a range of services in the centre, Everyone Active has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality sports activities in the community. It will be continuing this trend in Alton by bringing a range of new sporting opportunities to the town.

Everyone Active manages a number of centres within close proximity to Alton which members will also be able to access, including sites in Bordon and Petersfield.