THE COUNCIL is officially looking for leisure specialists to design, build, and operate the new water and leisure complex that will replace the Aquadrome.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has started inviting initial proposals from leisure specialists and they have one month to submit their ideas as part of a competitive procurement process.

This is the latest milestone in the project after the Cabinet approved the range of new facilities and how the new centre would be delivered back in February.

READ MORE: New Basingstoke water and leisure centre could open in 2029

Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration Cllr Onnalee Cubitt said: “Replacing our much-loved Aquadrome continues to be a key priority for us and we are delivering on our commitment to build a brand new leisure complex that our residents deserve, as part of a massive investment in our borough’s leisure and wellbeing activities.

“We have been working tirelessly to progress the delivery of this fantastic new facility as quickly as we can. I am super excited that we have reached this important milestone to find a partner with specialist experience to work with us and deliver a new, modern and energy-efficient complex that our residents can be proud of and enjoy for years to come.”

Following previous consultation, facilities at the new complex look set to include a 25-metre eight-lane competition pool, 20-metre four-lane teaching pool, leisure waters with flumes, a 150-station gym, three studios and a spin studio, an indoor clip and climb or similar adventure-style activity, indoor adventure soft play, party rooms and café.

The new water complex will be located on land currently used for car parking next to Buzz Bingo, subject to getting planning permission. 

The move would allow the current Aquadrome to remain open for users to benefit from the facilities until the new water and leisure complex is ready.

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Leisure specialists are being invited to submit first-stage proposals by December 20. Next year, the council will work with the short-listed specialists and identify the preferred partner who will be awarded the contract in May 2026.

As well as delivering the new water and leisure complex, the procurement exercise will include the management of the council’s existing leisure facilities in the borough.

This includes the management of Basingstoke Golf Centre, while the council continues to explore options to re-provide the facilities currently on offer at the site, following an in-principle deal with Great Wolf Resorts which, subject to planning permission, paves the way for it to build a new indoor water park resort on the land.