BUILDING work on the highly-anticipated indoor skydiving centre at the Basingstoke Leisure Park is finally under way.

Northampton-based contractors Winvic are setting the foundations for the 20-metre high simulator, off Churchill Way.

Airkix, the company behind the £6million project, hopes to open the major facility by next summer.

“The worst time is always the building phase,” said Airkix chief executive Simon Ward. “You are spending a lot of money getting it built, but all the time waiting for your dream to come true.”

The complex, which will be one of three in the country alongside Manchester and Milton Keynes, will also include a “skiplex” skiing simulator, as well as a drive-through Costa Coffee bar.

It is hoped that when it is open, up to 75,000 people will flock to the centre each year.

Councillor Elaine Still, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cabinet member for communities, sport, and culture, said the development is “breathing new life” into the ageing leisure park.

“It is a fantastic investment in the leisure park,” said Cllr Still. “It is going to be great for all our residents, but equally, as it is the only one in the south, it will bring people from all over the place.”

Council chiefs hope Airkix will encourage other similar business to come forward and build on the leisure park.