Eastleigh Borough Council has allayed fears that the demolition and replacement of Fleming Park Leisure Centre could lead to a loss of earnings.

The council has announced plans to redevelop the leisure centre, but council leader Cllr Keith House said that its opening would coincide with the closure of the old one, with the new facility adjacent to, not on the same site of, the current building.

One option being looked at is building the new centre on the current car park and using the civic offices for temporary parking.

As revealed by the Daily Echo yesterday, the council’s plans for the new building include larger swimming pools, expanded gym facilities, an improved restaurant and more health and beauty facilities.

It hopes to have it complete for 2016.

The current centre, in Passfield Avenue, dates back to the 1970s.

Conservative opposition leader Cllr Godfrey Olson questioned the potential loss of earnings if Fleming Park was out of action for the new building to go in.

But Cllr House said this was never the intention.

“There will be total continuity,” he said. “There will be no loss of business.”