THIS is the vision for £3m improvements to one of Hampshire's biggest leisure centres.

The sleek new extension to Romsey Rapids will house a 100-station gym, a children's activity zone, aerobics rooms and a new glass foyer.

Youngsters will even be splashing around on a pirate ship designed by an American company that creates DisneyWorld attractions, as huge improvements are made to the existing pool.

Test Valley council bosses say it is one of their biggest projects of recent years.

In just two weeks' time, seven months of building work is to get under way, with the new attractions scheduled to be opened in January next year.

Valley Leisure chief executive Sheridan Easton told the Daily Echo: "We are very excited about the new facilities planned for the Rapids.

"In partnership with the council, we are aiming to provide the best possible facilities for the residents of Romsey and the borough."

The 15-year-old changing rooms are undergoing an overhaul, the steam room and sauna is being refurbished, a new "well-being" area complete with therapy rooms and a nail bar is being created, and the cafe is being extended.

New water features in the pool include water cannons, a pirates' treasure chest and the new beached playship.

A month's closure is on the cards for December, just before the official launch of the new-look centre, but throughout the summer visitors will still be able to make use of the existing facilities.