An exciting new leisure centre in Farnborough was given the go-ahead this week in what campaigners have hailed as a ‘major victory for local families’.

Labour MP for Aldershot and Farnborough, Alex Baker, alongside Labour-led Rushmoor Council, led the campaign for a new facility after the previous Conservative-led council demolished the old leisure centre without providing a viable replacement.

Plans for a brand-new leisure centre on the Queensmead site in Farnborough were approved by Rushmoor Borough Council’s Development Management Committee on Wednesday, with final permission subject to legal agreements with Hampshire County Council. Construction work is now set to begin in early summer 2026 and completion scheduled for late 2027.

Once completed, the stunning new facility (pictured above) will provide a 25-metre swimming pool, a learner pool with moveable floor, a large gym, a soft play area, a spin studio, café, and more. Outdoor features will include a new play area, landscaping, cycle and mobility parking, and a new car park.

This follows the Council’s appointment of a development partner to lead the construction of the new centre, and a leisure contractor, Everyone Active, to run it. From 1 April, Everyone Active will manage the new Farnborough facility and the other existing leisure facilities across Aldershot, giving both towns a much needed boost.

Alex Baker MP, Member of Parliament for Aldershot and Farnborough, said: “This is a major victory for the families in and around Farnborough who were left devasted when the previous Conservative council ripped out the old leisure centre without a viable plan to replace it – leaving a gaping hole in the heart of the town.

“I lobbied hard to unlock the £20 million in funding that was tied up in the Tories’ failed scheme, so I’m delighted that working alongside Rushmoor’s Labour Council we’re delivering state-of-the art swimming and leisure facilities for local people to enjoy.”

Gareth Williams, Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, added: “We promised Farnborough an affordable leisure centre, and that’s exactly what we’ve delivered. The new contract will strengthen facilities across the borough, supporting both Aldershot pools and Farnborough, while exciting additions like a splash pad at the Lido and expanded community outreach make it clear that active lives aren’t just built in buildings, they’re built in communities.”

This planning approval highlights the continued success of the Labour-led council’s commitment to reinvesting in Farnborough, rebuilding what was lost, and ensuring a brighter future for local residents. Together, Alex Baker MP and Rushmoor Borough Council are proving that when Labour works in partnership with local communities, real progress is made.