MP Backs Plans For New Eastleigh Leisure Centre

8 August 2013, 10:33 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Work should start within months on a new multi-million pound leisure centre for Eastleigh, according to the town's MP.

Mike Thornton (pictured) says the Council is exploring ideas to improve the landscape of the old golf course and Fleming Park leisure centre site, and the variety of activities on offer.

Plans are in place for a new state-of-the-art Fleming Park Leisure Centre in time for the Rio Olympics in 2016, and Mr. Thornton says 'there's an opportunity to bring Fleming Park's open space up to the same 'world-class' standard.'

The golf course at Fleming Park closed in 2009 due to lack of demand, with an estimate of less than 1% of Borough residents using the space. Following public consultation Borough Councillors backed plans to convert the 71-acre site into an informal leisure area for walkers and cyclists.

Eastleigh MP Mike Thornton said:

"Local people are happy that the Council have opened up the space for all to use, and residents are now eager to see a greater range of activities available, catering to the needs of the whole community.

"Eastleigh already boasts some stunning public open spaces, from Lakeside, right down to the Royal Victoria Country Park. With Fleming Park's old golf course, the Council have the opportunity to add to that list.

"Eastleigh Council does an excellent job of investing in sports and play provision around the borough. With a new Fleming Park leisure centre on the horizon, it's an opportunity to go that extra mile and provide residents with more quality facilities with a public open space to be proud of."