Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have been handed the keys to a new £2m community centre.
The development, off Rockbourne Road in Sherfield Park, was officially handed over by developers Croudace on May 18.
Basingstoke borough council cabinet member for communities, sport and leisure, Clive Sanders, said: “We are delighted to receive this much needed community building from Croudace.
“This building, which is the result of a lot of hard work by local people as well as Croudace Homes and the borough council, will provide the Sherfield Park community with a hub which has the potential to offer exciting social, recreational and educational activities for people in the area.”
The 900-metre sq building was built using money set aside by Croudace. The firm invested up to £2m in the building, despite being asked by the council to provide £850,000.
The centre was first proposed five years ago as part of Croudace’s plans to build up to 1,000 homes in the area, located north of Chineham.
Visitors at the grand unveiling were shown the venue’s hall, consulting room, changing rooms and FA-standard football pitches.
The day-to-day running of the centre has been handed to Sherfield Park Community Association. David Wilson Homes, who are building up to 45 houses at the site, will pay for a centre manager for five years.
Association deputy chairman James Read said: “We are delighted to have been given a first class facility. For us the centre is about bringing the community in. It will be a success if the community want to throw their energy and enthusiasm into it.
“The community centre is the best in Hampshire, and possibly one of the best in the whole country.”
Russell Denness, managing director of Croudace said: “I hope the building serves the residents of our development very well for many years into the future.”
