OPENING day for the new Alton Sports Centre has been set for January 11 next year.
This project was the subject of a bitter planning battle, with East Hampshire District Council insisting it be a self-financing commercial operation and sports enthusiasts complaining that sporting facilities were being reduced as a result.
The new £20million centre will have a spa and a larger gym than the 1974 original.
But there will be two fewer squash courts, a less challenging climbing wall and no diving pool.
Everyone Active will manage the new centre on behalf of the district council.
It has arranged six hours of free fun following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10am.
Visitors will be able to try the new facilities and a variety of activities such as gym challenges and exercise classes.
The centre will also be giving away competition prizes worth a total of £3,500.
Olympic 110m hurdles silver medallist Colin Jackson and Olympic gold medal winning swimmer Rebecca Adlington will attend the event, with Rebecca hosting a Total Swimming event from 10.30am until 12.30pm which aims to encourage more children to learn to swim.
The new centre will have a six-lane swimming pool with seating for 150 spectators, a learner pool with an adjustable floor, a 130-station fitness suite, a group cycling studio including virtual classes, a six-court sports hall, two multi-use studios, a Clip ‘n’ Climb climbing wall, two glass-backed squash courts, two five-a-side outdoor 3G football pitches, a large café with seating for up to 100 visitors, and a spa.
Lydia Morrison, East Hampshire District Council’s director of corporate services, said: “This fantastic new sports centre is the perfect modern facility for Alton’s families and is a huge improvement on the current facility.?
“Delivering a project of this scale is no easy task for any council, especially in these financially difficult times, and we are incredibly proud of what has been achieved here.??????
“It will be a wonderful facility, the biggest in East Hampshire, and a real benefit for Alton and the surrounding area.
“Come along on Saturday, January 11, and see it for yourself.”
Everyone Active is offering 100 people the opportunity to buy an exclusive founder membership before the new centre opens.
This includes a reduced monthly membership rate, a VIP invitation to the open day and a complimentary spa day.
For more information, or to register an interest in the open day, visit www.everyoneactive.com/YourNewAlton
The existing Alton Sports Centre will bow out after a 46-year career in January 2020.