BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council’s decision-making Cabinet has given its seal of approval for plans to work with a development partner to transform Basingstoke Leisure Park.

As revealed last week, the borough’s Cabinet had unveiled plans to enter into a six-month exclusivity partnership with development partner NewRiver Retail in a bid to turn their aspirations for the 45-acre leisure park into a reality.

As part of its bid, the developer has proposed a concept of developing physical zones in the leisure park including entertainment, sport and adrenaline, water-based and fitness, health and speciality.

The bid also includes a market square with restaurants, while Saunders Field, a water meadow off Thornycroft Roundabout, could be preserved and turned into an ecology zone.

And the borough council’s Cabinet rubberstamped plans to enter into a six-month exclusivity agreement with NewRiver Retail, which has an £800million portfolio and is the third largest owner/manager of shopping centres across the UK, on Tuesday.

NewRiver will now be able to enter into detailed discussions with organisations interested in opening up facilities at the leisure park.

But the leader of the borough’s Liberal Democrats group, Councillor Gavin James, called on the Cabinet to ensure that the leisure park is still considered as a site for the new Basingstoke Town Football Club stadium, despite the ambitious plans.

He told the meeting: “I wanted to check before we proceed that it was still open and still on the table for NewRiver to consider. I am looking forward to seeing what they come up with and would encourage them to speak with the football club and for the football club to speak to them.”

Borough council leader, Cllr Clive Sanders, assured Cllr James that the club will be considered in the regeneration plans, telling the meeting: “The football club is already included in their considerations and we have spoken to them and ensured that informs part of it.

“Their brief very clearly, and from their own self interests, is to produce something the most number of people wish to go and enjoy over the next 15 to 20 years.”

NewRiver has proposed, if the partnership goes forward following the six-month period, that they are granted a 250-year lease of the leisure park.

Francois Nairac, development director at NewRiver Retail said: “We are very pleased and excited to have been selected by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to work with them on a new vision for the (Basingstoke) Leisure Park.

“The potential to attract new investment is very good and will result in ensuring that the park is revitalised and enhanced as a major regional visitor attraction.

“NewRiver has a strong track record of collaboration with other local authorities country-wide to drive forward regeneration and the agreement we now have in place allows us the ability to fully explore and crystallise potential new investors in the park.

"Our aim is to achieve a major step change in the attractions on offer and build on the existing success of the park.” 

The borough council could then rake in £400,000 a year as the freeholder.

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