Rushmoor Borough Council are in the process of planning for a state-of-the-art leisure centre, library and cultural space in Farnborough, and Leo Docherty MP has launched a survey to hear residents' views and what they would like to see from this regeneration project.
Since 2019, the site of the former Farnborough Recreation Centre, has been identified for the development of a new leisure centre by Rushmoor Borough Council.
The project, if delivered as set out in the bid, would deliver co-located Leisure, Library and Cultural facilities including a 6-court sports hall, 8 lane swimming pool, fitness and spin studios, soft play and clip and climb facilities. The Library and Cultural spaces include dedicated library area, digital lab, and a range of multi-purpose community rooms.
There would be dedicated gallery and community gallery space as well as collaborative spaces for art projects. Spaces will wherever possible be flexible and multipurpose. The sports hall would include an area for tiered seating as well as acoustic separation to create performance space. A large café would also be located on the ground floor. Alongside the Hub would be a Mobility Hub as well as a skate park and play area as part of the public realm elements of the Masterplan.
Farnborough's new state-of-the-art leisure centre, library and cultural space - January 2023
Rushmoor Borough Council receive £20,000,000 funding from the Levelling Up Fund, one of £210 million worth of projects to improve infrastructure and cultural projects across the South East. In order to meet funding spend requirements, groundworks for the design and planning of the project will need to start.
Commenting, Leo said:
"As detailed plans are drawn up for the Leisure, Library and Cultural Hub, I want to hear what residents would like to see at the new community heart for the town centre.
"Rather than just a replacement centre, the new state-of-the-art leisure facilities, alongside a library, mobility hub, cultural and community spaces - including a playground and skate park - will form a new Leisure and Cultural Hub, and help create a heart for our community in a regenerated Civic Quarter that the whole borough can be proud of."
Ideas can be shared with Leo by completing the Leisure, Library and Cultural survey here, or by writing to Leo at 6 Union Street, Aldershot, Hants, GU11 1EG.
Leo pictured with Cllr David Clifford, Rushmoor Borough Council Leader
