PLANS are being discussed for a new Aquadrome to meet the needs of Basingstoke residents.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council are currently working on proposals which could see a new leisure centre built to replace the current Aquadrome.

The authority has sought advice from external consultants to develop a strategy for the future of the popular leisure offering.

The overall aim for the new Aquadrome is to ensure the services delivered by the council’s leisure facilities contribute to council priorities, meet customer needs and are managed in the most effective and affordable way.

At present, the business case focuses on a new-build facility on an alternative undeveloped location within the Leisure Park, which would allow the current Aquadrome to continue to operate until the new centre is open.

READ MORE: Calls for council to withdraw from proposals for mandatory voter ID at polling stations

Read the full story in this week's edition.

Also inside:

  • A christmas-loving dad will be bringing an amazing homemade Santa sleigh to Basingstoke this year to spread some Christmas cheer
  • A residential respite unit for children and young people with disabilities in Basingstoke will be closed permanently due to mounting costs and much-needed repair work
  • Plans for a 24/7 commercial development on the site of a Basingstoke retail park have been refused after planning chiefs said it would be “dominant and intrusive”
  • A major High Street retailer has announced that it is set to close a number of stores over the next five years
  • The strategic approach being taken to cope with traffic generated by 15,000 new homes in Basingstoke has been challenged by a Hampshire County councillor
  • A nurse at Basingstoke hospital said staff are regularly turning up late because of an unreliable bus service provided by Stagecoach
  • A planning appeal hearing into proposals to build warehouses on land in Dummer came to a close last week, with a decision expected to be made in six weeks time
  • Council chiefs have come under fire for proposing to use land in the Basingstoke borough to tackle nitrate pollution and offset the impact of a development in Andover
  • A Basingstoke businesswoman is creating keepsakes for families by using breast milk and DNA materials to make unique jewellery and art
  •  People in Basingstoke have reacted to the news Rishi Sunak is the country’s 57th Prime Minister
  • PLUS: All the latest from Basingstoke Magistrates' Court
  • Two pages of your letters to the editor
  • Two pages of news from our communities
  • An eight-page puzzle special.
  • Two pages of business news.
  • Three pages of entertainment news.
  • Two pages of sports news. And much more

To arrange a home delivery of the Gazette or Advertiser call 0800 7314 900 or 0845 7078 150 or email deliveries@newsquest.co.uk. If we do not cover your area, we will advise you with details of other available agents.