A BRAND new sports complex in Romsey is nearing completion.

The facility, which is part of the King’s Chase development, will see a sports pavilion with two astro-turf pitches, changing rooms, an activity studio, a function room and a community room along with a number of new grass pitches too.

The complex will also cater for local sports clubs, schools and community groups.

Staff and councillors celebrated the latest step in October as the roof to the pavilion was put in place, marking the milestone of the highest point of the project being completed.

The new facilities and clubhouse will form the base of Romsey Rugby Club and other sports clubs in the town.

Councillors Nick Adams-King, Tony Ward, Neil Gywnne and John Parker all attended the event to mark the latest construction milestone.

Community and leisure portfolio holder, Cllr Tony Ward, said: “This is going to be a fantastic new hub for the sporting community as Romsey continues to grow. Building this infrastructure as part of the King’s Chase development was always going to be important and with it being home to two big local sports clubs, it just goes to show how much it was needed.

“The facilities will be state of the art with new artificial pitches, a clubhouse and floodlights and I’m really looking forward to seeing it in action.”

Nick Smith, of Romsey Rugby Club, added: "Romsey Rugby Club are delighted to be taking a leading role in this sports facility which we see as a development the whole of Romsey can be very proud.

“It greatly enhances the opportunity for our children to be able to play sport the year round with the floodlit all weather surfaces, but also as community meeting point for those living close by in the Abbotswood, Kings Chase and Woodley areas of the town."

Chair of Romsey Hockey Club, Amy Edwards, said: “As a hockey club that continues to grow, it's brilliant to see investment in new sports facilities in the town. We're looking forward to seeing it in action and we're equally very grateful for the council's support."

The grass pitches have already been put down and work on the artificial pitches will begin later this month.

Romsey Sports Pavillion, off Braishfield Road, is expected to be finished in early summer next year.