BUILDING work on an indoor skydiving centre at Basingstoke Leisure Park is set to reach a key stage next week.

Specialist engineers from construction company Winvic will hoist four massive fans to the top of a 20-metre high frame at the Airkix site.

Simon Ward, chief executive of Airkix – the company behind the £6million simulator – said the next step is “crucial”.

“It is coming along nicely,” said Mr Ward. “The big lift takes place next week weather permitting. It is a crucial part of the operation.”

Mr Ward said construction work is a week behind schedule due to last month’s snow, but he added: “We hope to make that time back, and we are still looking at a June opening.”

Northampton-based Airkix started building the simulator in November, after council chiefs approved planning permission in July 2012.

The complex will become one of three indoor skydiving centres in the UK alongside Milton Keynes, and Manchester.

The development also includes a “skiplex” skiing simulator, as well as a drive-through Costa Coffee bar.

It is hoped the facility will bring up to 75,000 people to the centre each year.