THE REVAMPED Fleming Park leisure centre in Eastleigh is set to open before the end of this year - and will have a new name.

The £25 million sports, health and fitness venue will be called Places Leisure Eastleigh.

As previously reported, the new centre is located next to the building of the old Fleming Park Leisure Centre and has been developed by Eastleigh Borough Council.

Although an official opening date will be announced in the coming weeks, a council spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to confirm that the build programme for Places Leisure Eastleigh has run to schedule and this superb new facility will open before the end of the year.

“There are several weeks left in the construction programme as the final finishes are completed, and we’ll announce a firm opening date very shortly.”

The state-of-the art facility, co-funded by Sport England, who contributed £2 million to the scheme, will feature a giant sports hall – believed to be the third biggest in the country – that will house 15 badminton courts.

An eight-lane pool has also been created on the ground floor near a learner pool with a floor depth that can be altered. The centre will also have a 150-station gym, a ballet studio, a spin studio, a crèche, a soft play area incorporating party rooms and a café with outside seats.

The council has now handed the running of the centre to Places for People Leisure.

Cllr Keith House, council leader, said: “We have had an excellent partnership with Places for People Leisure over the years and look forward to working with them to make Places Leisure Eastleigh a success.”

Sandra Dodd, CEO of Places for People Leisure, said: “Being awarded the contract to operate Places Leisure Eastleigh for the next 20 years has given us an opportunity to showcase our brand in one of the finest leisure facilities in the UK.”

The staff who used to work at Fleming Park Leisure Centre will be relocated to People Leisure Eastleigh.