COUNCILLORS approved a multi-million pound redevelopment of a popular leisure centre despite concerns over whether the council could afford it.

Members of Eastleigh Borough Council’s audit and resources committee which scrutinised the plans recommended approval of a budget of £25 million to replace the Fleming Park Leisure Centre to cabinet which was also subsequently approved.

The new centre, which would be built close by to the current facility, in Passfield Avenue, would have an eight lane main pool, larger learner pool with a moveable floor and a 15-court sports hall.

It will be funded with £2 million from Sport England, £3.7 million from the New Homes Bonus -money from Government given for building affordable homes, £90,000 from Netball England and £22.3 million from borrowing.

As reported, an initial estimate when the project was announced two and a half years ago was around £19 million.

Resident David Lange raised concern that prices for users would only increase to pay off the money spent on the redevelopment, but was told by the operator that prices would be dictated by user demand.

Conservative councillor Judith Grajewski questioned whether the council could afford the borrowing involved on top of current levels and whether costs could rise.

Alex Parmley, council corporate director, said the council had a fixed price contract so if the project overran or went over budget the risk was with main contractor Interserve rather than the council.

He added that the £25 million construction budget had taken contingencies into account.

The council says that the project should pay for itself through income over the life of the scheme.