WORK to re-build a £25 million state-of-the-art leisure facility in Hampshire has started.

The new Fleming Park Leisure Centre, developed by Eastleigh Borough Council to promote a “healthy borough” is underway.

The new build is being constructed next to the current centre on Passfield Avenue, which will stay open during an estimated 85 weeks of construction.

The old centre will be demolished once the new facility has opened and the mayor, Cllr Jane Welsh, was joined by representatives of partners in the scheme to turn the first sod on the development.

The £25 million facility is expected to be designed in keeping with the parkland environment.

The new building will feature bigger facilities, including a 15-badminton court sports hall and gym, and 'wet facilities’ that encompass an eight-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a larger learner pool, and a changing village.

Other indoor facilities include three multipurpose studios and a group spinning studio.

The new centre (artist’s impression is pictured, left) will also be family-friendly, with a crèche and a large soft play area incorporating party rooms.

Outside, the full-size, all-weather pitch and five-a-side pitches will be retained and refurbished and four new tennis courts will be opened.

There will also be free parking for more than 550 cars, together with a large number of cycle spaces.

The council’s HealthWorks base, which promotes health and wellbeing, will be on the ground floor, close to reception for easy access.

Eastleigh Borough Council’s corporate director, Alex Parmley, who is leading the development project, said: “After months of hard work it is excellent to see construction starting on this superb new facility.

“At a time when many councils are having to cut back services, it is great that we are able to make an investment in improving services for our residents – but at no revenue cost to the council, and therefore no cost to the council tax payer.

"This has been achieved through our well thought out design and the partnership we have with the operators, Places for People.

"The new Fleming Park Leisure Centre will ensure that we can continue to deliver on the council’s aim of supporting a healthy community, as well as recreation and sports development in the borough.”

The development has received partnership funding from Sport England, who have awarded £2 million, with additional support from England Netball.