A NEW masterplan to reinvigorate the leisure park in Basingstoke has received criticism from councillors after proposals were revealed.
As previously reported, the leisure park on the outskirts of Basingstoke town centre is a popular destination enjoyed by many residents and their families. But the facilities at the park were mostly developed in the 1980s and 1990s and it is now in need of updating to meet the needs of the borough’s community and reflect changing trends and demand in leisure.
Now Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) have drawn up a draft masterplan setting an overall vision to guide future development. It was created by a team of experts advising the council, as the owner of the leisure park, and shaped by comments and views expressed in a consultation that ran during February and March 2022.
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As part of the plans, a new Aquadrome could be built by the council in a new location in the leisure park. All other facilities, including the ice rink, Milestones museum, the cinema, bingo and bowling, will stay in place with operators encouraged to improve and enhance them.
Cllr Paul Harvey, the leader of the Basingstoke and Deane Independent group said that the masterplan is missing details.
Cllr Paul Harvey said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and renewing the Aquadrome is essential, but the leisure park is far more than just the Aquadrome. Will it be bigger and better, we don't want a smaller Aquadrome?
"We need a bigger vision for leisure that residents aspire to. That complements the town centre - that is part of a bigger vision for our town and borough. This can’t be another scheme where the cabinet is doing deals behind closed doors. We can’t afford for them to make the same mistakes as they did with New River Retail.
"This needs to be amazing and ambitious, we do not want the council to sell residents short – there is so much more detail needed to give people confidence that this is going to meet all our expectations."
Cllr Andrew McCormick, who leads the Labour group said the plan lacked ambition and vision.
He said: “I think it completely lacks any ambition and I was really disappointed to see that there was nothing on the plan that would see a new football provision to replace the Camrose.”
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He agreed that the ice rink is an important aspect of the plan but has also been left disappointed at the idea that other facilities including the ice rink will stay in place with operators encouraged to improve and enhance them.
The new plan also identifies development plots for new attractions and activities and there has already been a great deal of interest from leisure businesses. Discussions will continue with these potential operators to create a mix of activities that will appeal to residents and visitors of all ages while complementing existing businesses in the leisure park and plans for a re-energised town centre.
A re-designed park running from east to west is central to the proposals, connecting new and improved attractions with green open spaces, picnic spots and a range of free outdoor activities, which could include ‘pop up’ events, nature trails, an outdoor gym and play areas.
The leader of the Lib Dem group, Gavin James, added: “It is nice to see that it is focusing again on leisure facilities and not some fantasy but I don't think it has come a long way since we started this ten years ago."
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He said it is now all about getting companies to come forward to fill the remaining empty plots in the park.
He added: "I would really like to encourage any business who are running exciting sports to come forward and bring the events to the town not just because it is Basingstoke but because it is now really the capital of Hampshire.
"The Aquadrome is essential. It is also good there could be potential space for a football ground, although the council do not have the money now, it is good that there is potential space for one in the future but who knows."
The proposals will be discussed during an economic, planning and housing committee meeting on Thursday, November 3.
Public consultation is likely to follow before any final decision is made by the council's cabinet.
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