Tadley swimming pool users are set to work out in a state-of-the-art gym thanks to investment of more than £5 million to upgrade borough council-owned leisure facilities.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has agreed to earmark £430,000 capital funding for the building work to extend and refurbish the Tadley Pool building adding a new fitness suite, which is set to open in 2018, subject to planning permission.

This funding will unlock an investment from Serco and the Basingstoke and Deane Community Leisure Trust, who manage the pool on behalf of the council, to install a new 40-station gym - creating a much-needed facility for a potential 1,200 new members.

The scheme will also incorporate air conditioning for the community room accommodating more classes and dedicated changing rooms for gym users.

The good news for Tadley comes after the borough council negotiated extending the period with the Trust and Serco to manage the pool as well as the Aquadrome and Golf Centre in Basingstoke on behalf of the council. Under this deal for the borough, the Trust and company will invest just over £1.3 million in capital investment into new features at all three sites over the next few months along with investment in maintenance of £1.75 million to upgrade the existing facilities over the term of the contract. The council, also as part of its ongoing commitment to the facilities, will invest £1.6 million.

Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety Cllr Simon Bound, said:

“There’s a large demand from fitness enthusiasts in the Tadley area and they will benefit enormously from having this cutting-edge gym at the pool site.

“This is one of the benefits of the good deal that the council has negotiated to extend the contract to run its sports facilities. It shows our commitment to work in partnership to improve leisure opportunities across the borough.”

Chair of Basingstoke & Deane Community Leisure Trust Hazel Tilbury said: “The Trust is committed to providing a good range of health and fitness activities that are accessible to everyone so that they can enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle. The investment by the Trust and Serco will not only benefit this generation, but also generations to come. We are proud of the planned developments and will continue to invest in our facilities for local communities to enjoy.”