A wave of excitement is washing over Whitehill & Bordon as plans to extend the town’s leisure centre and swimming pool have moved a step closer.

Cabinet members agreed on Thursday (January 16) that money in the next East Hampshire District Council budget should be set aside for an “aquatic adventure zone” at the centre.

Although some more work needs to be done on the final Splashpad design, plans for the waterslides and interactive water play areas at the facility are under consideration.

The council will splash its own cash on the development while looking to part-fund the project with developer contributions from other authorities.

They hope the “exciting” extension will attract families from around East Hampshire and further afield with market research showing a huge demand for similar attractions.

The only leisure pool in the district is in Petersfield’s Taro Centre so EHDC leader, councillor Richard Millard, believes the aquatic adventure zone will be the perfect addition to the centre and W&B.

He said: “The leisure centre itself was only opened in 2020 and if we can extend it with a new fun pool and splashpad it will fill a gap in the market by providing a dedicated leisure water space for families."

Cllr Andy Tree, EHDC Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for W&B, said: “Whitehill & Bordon is the perfect spot for an exciting facility like this.

“It will increase water confidence for young children and create an opportunity for families to come together, and enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.”

Cllr Tree added: “There is nothing else quite like this in the wider area and once it is in place it will draw people into the town from around the district and from neighbouring areas, bringing more footfall and more money into the town.”