Andover Leisure Centre is reaching the finishing touches of its development with the Clip N Climb walls being installed and the pool filled.
The project contract to design, build, operate and manage Andover’s new community leisure centre was awarded to Places Leisure in April 2017.
The town’s new leisure centre is due to open this spring.
Contractor, Pellikaan started the project in April 2017 with the first steels being erected in January 2018. The community leisure venue is due to open in Spring 2019 and will boast a range of new facilities including a Clip N Climb climbing facility, 25m main pool, 15m teaching pool with retractable floor, splash pad, 8 court sports hall, café, squash courts, group exercise studios and a 165 station state-of-the-art gym (including 25 station spin studio).
The Clip N Climb especially will provide a unique and exciting visitor attraction for Andover and the surrounding areas. The arena will provide 13 climbing walls for adults and children. It is designed as a colourful bright and vibrant climbing arena with key elements such as Astroball, Leap of Faith, Twister and Stairway to Heaven providing a ‘wow’ factor.
Clip N Climb uses Auto-Belay technology so a climber is free to climb without the need of someone to control the ropes at the bottom. The various heights and levels also ensure that anyone can enjoy the climbing experience from age 4 upwards. The arena will be the ideal place for a children’s party or get-together with friends.
The main pool being filled marks a poignant stage in the new leisure centre’s development. The 25M six lane pool will provide a space for, lane swimming, teaching and fun swim sessions. The pool area will also host a new sauna, steam room and changing village. Lastly the pool will be fitted out with a new modular inflatable for fun swim sessions and private parties.
The teaching pool will be fitted with a moveable floor that can be adjusted from deck level to 1.2m deep depending on teaching requirements, providing bespoke swimming lessons. The pool area will also host a splash pad which will be haven for families. It will be an area with water features that will build confidence in the water for young children and toddlers.
Test Valley Borough Council portfolio holder for community and leisure, councillor Tony Ward, said: “I know that the opening of the new Andover Leisure Centre is eagerly anticipated and so I’m very pleased that the progress is continuing ahead of this spring.
“These developments are just the latest in ensuring that the new state-of-the-art leisure centre is something the whole community will be able to make the most of.”
