BASINGSTOKE Leisure Centre now offers a complimentary area for members wishing to work, check emails, or conduct research.

The area, known as a 'hot desking' room, was developed to create a calm, private environment for those needing to tackle administrative tasks.

Staff has taken additional security measures ensuring visitors can feel safe, by recreating a new access code each day.

Non-members can also use the space for just £10 for a four-hour period. Operated by the social enterprise charity Better, the Centre aims to encourage the wellbeing of the local community.

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Since its introduction, the scheme has grown steadily more popular. Accompanied with conference rooms for hire and development plans for a smaller meeting room, the centre can cater to a variety of needs.

Paul Shearman, GLL’s partnership manager in the region, said: "We’re ideally-situated, right in the town centre – one of the busiest shopping centres in the UK - and close to a railway station. Some of our customers might go shopping or come to our gym or a fitness class and then visit our workspace afterwards.

"We’ve had great feedback. Although there are lots of coffee shops nearby offering free wi-fi, those places can sometimes be very noisy with children crying or the clattering of cups and saucers. People tell us they like our workspace because it’s a quiet oasis."

Booking is available at reception or through the 'Better' app.