THIS is the vision for a long-awaited multi-million-pound pool and leisure complex in Hampshire.

The £7m complex at Barnes Lane, Sarisbury Green, will feature a swimming pool and a gymwith 100 pieces of equipment and is being designed by Balfour Beatty, the company which built the aquatic centre for London 2012.

New football pitches will be constructed along with a play area and multi-use games area as a way of improving wellbeing in the region.

Residents viewed the plans and quizzed planning officers at Victory Hall in Warsash.

One, John Headland, 80, said he was looking forward to seeing the centre being constructed.

Mr Headland, of nearby Locksheath Park Road, said: “I came here in 1962 and there were people talking about it then.

“The plans are brilliant and very good, especially the sports centre. I will use it for swimming but at the moment I have been going to Fareham, so this will save me a lot of time.

“Five of us go swimming to Fareham from Locks Heath so it’s something to look forward to.

“It’s a lot of time and petrol and everything like that – it all adds up.”

Other residents questioned the size of the pool, saying that they did not believe a sixlane facility would be big enough.

Planning officers from Fareham Borough Council will note feedback from those attending the sessions and incorporate it into planning applications, which will be submitted next month.

The council’s aim is for construction to begin in spring 2015 with the centre opening in mid-2016.

Facilities Vic Styles, 72, of Campion Close, Warsash, wanted to see the plans for himself.

Mr Styles said: “I was interested in what’s going on at that site and I’ll probably use it for swimming.

“I think it will help the area as a whole but my specialty is transport – will there be public transport going to the new leisure centre?”

Executive member for leisure and community at Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Connie Hockley, said: “These exciting plans will not only see a new leisure centre with pool, gym and dance studio being built, but also new football pitches, changing rooms and play facilities.

“We want to make sure the designs meet the needs of everyone so I would urge anyone interested to come down to Brookfield School today between 1pm and 8.30pm to look at the plans and have their say.”