New Â£9m leisure centre unveiled for Fareham after decades of talks

From left, Councillor Trevor Cartwright, Councillor Sean Woodward and Councillor Susan Bell.
Picture: Ian Hargreaves (161247-2) — From left, Councillor Trevor Cartwright, Councillor Sean Woodward and Councillor Susan Bell. Picture: Ian Hargreaves (161247-2)

The News was yesterday given a tour of the new £9m Holly Hill Leisure Centre in Barnes Lane, Sarisbury Green ahead of its public opening tomorrow.

For years, Sarisbury, Warsash and Locks Heath residents have been clamouring for the facility.

The new centre features a 25m pool with six lanes, a learner pool, gym, exercise room, group cycling studio and dance studio.

Councillor Sean Woodward
Picture: Ian Hargreaves (161247-9) — Councillor Sean Woodward Picture: Ian Hargreaves (161247-9)

Councillor Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council said: ‘This was a promise I made 25 years ago for the people of west Fareham and I’m delighted to be able to deliver on that.

‘It’s a stunning building and I think residents will get a real wow factor from it by just walking in.

‘This centre is something residents have made very clear that they wanted and it’s a fantastic achievement we’ve been able to deliver it on time and on budget.’

The centre will be managed by Everyone Active, the same company that runs Fareham Leisure Centre.

Ian Cook of Everyone Active: Picture: Ian Hargreaves (161247-7)

Balfour Beatty, the firm which constructed the London Aquatics Centre, designed and built Holly  Hill.

Councillor Susan Bell, the council’s executive member for leisure said: ‘This is a landmark achievement for the council.

‘I remember as a girl growing up around here, I always wanted a swimming pool nearby so I’m delighted to be able to see it built.

‘I can see it being full to the brim with people when it opens as it’s such an impressive facility.’

More than 100 jobs have been created for the centre with around 1,800 members already signed up.

The centre’s name was chosen by local schoolchildren.

Ian Cook, Everyone Active’s regional contract manager said: ‘We are really pleased.

‘There has been a vision for this for the past 25 years and we hope we have been able to achieve that.

‘We’ve worked a lot with the community in terms of making this centre fit their needs and I can’t wait to see their reactions when they all see it for the first time.’

Eager residents looking to see inside for the first time can head down from tomorrow. Olympic gold medalist swimmer Adam Peaty will be heading down for the official opening ceremony on Monday, October 10.