A MULTI-MILLION pound redevelopment of a Hampshire leisure centre looks set to open nearly a year later than originally planned.

The Fleming Park Leisure Centre had been billed to open in time for the Rio Olympic Games next summer, but now the opening is planned for around spring 2017.

More than 200 people have so far attended the latest exhibition, which gave more details about what the centre will have to offer along with artist’s impressions and a 3D model. Though most residents were impressed by the council’s vision, some questioned whether it was necessary and the expense involved.

Plans include a larger swimming pool with eight lanes instead of six, a larger learner pool with a moveable floor, a 15- court sports hall as opposed to ten, four outdoor tennis courts, a larger gym with 150 stations as opposed to the current 80 a separate spinning studio and a children’s soft play area.

Residents will be able to see the pool from a 100-seater cafe, with a further 150 seater area above the pool. The sauna and steam room, at present close to the fitness studio, would be moved poolside.

Fleming Park, in Passfield Avenue, currently attracts a million visitors a year, but the council is hoping to increase that in the new centre by 20 per cent.

It is also looking to introduce entrance barriers and an automated entry system for members or pre-bookings to reduce queues.

As previously reported, the council plans to build the new leisure centre close by so users will move in when the old building is demolished.

Cost estimates stand at £23m, but the council has confirmed it will not be ready for the Rio games.

Andrew Thompson, Eastleigh Council’s head of sport and active lifestyles, said the opening had always been a ball-park date and the council did not want to rush to meet a certain target at the expense of the project, which will be 18 months in construction.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” he said.

He added that the council was applying for the maximum £2m grant from Sport England and had already put in an expression of interest on this.

Eastleigh Borough Council staff reported a largely positive response to the scheme.

However, they said residents’ concerns included increased traffic along Passfield Avenue and Leigh Road surrounding the facility and the moving of the sauna and steam room.

Other concerns raised were about the loss of the squash court viewing area and the indoor tennis courts.

Jeb Farrah, project manager, from Eastleigh Borough Council, said some changes suggested had already been acted upon, including an outdoor toilet for the outdoor tennis courts, moving the crèche closer to the soft play area and separating off the spinning studio from the gym.

She said all suggestions and feedback would be considered.