A PETERSFIELD leisure centre is to get a £3m state-of-the-art revamp with new management at the helm.

A deal struck between East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) and Everyone Active will see an overhauled gym with high end equipment at the Taro Centre, as well as renovated changing areas and an enhanced reception.

This is being promoted as a major boost to the health and well being of people in the town.

The refurbishment is due to begin in the summer and is expected to take six months, with facilities at the centre remaining open throughout.

Sports and leisure provider Everyone Active, which has been given a 20- year contract, will also be working to increase participation in sport across the district.

It takes over from Places for People Leisure, which has been running the Taro Centre for two decades. Its contract expires at the end of this month.

EHDC deputy leader Cllr Richard Millard said:?“This is the news that so many people in East Hampshire have been longing for.

“Petersfield can look forward to a fantastic leisure centre with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

“It is one of this council’s main priorities to give residents the opportunity to live healthy and active lives and providing these facilities is an important part of that.

“They will not only offer fantastic sporting opportunities but, over the lifetime of the contract, will generate profits that the council will invest in improved service provision at no cost to the council tax payer.”

The ambitious plans were unveiled following the agreement of EHDC’s budget last week, which included £1,040,000 from the council’s capital funds towards the Taro Centre project.

The authority has also pledged to build two leisure centres at Alton and Whitehill and Bordon, and invest in refurbishing the Petersfield facilities.

Everyone Active’s contract manager David Love said:?“This is a very exciting time for East Hampshire with a wide range of new and improved leisure facilities coming to the area.

“We look forward to becoming a part of the local community and encouraging more people to improve their health and wellbeing.”