A MILLION-pound revamp of accommodation at Calshot Activities Centre has moved a step closer after council officials approved the scheme.

Work on a new accommodation block is planned to start later this year, with completion scheduled for April 2005. It is the first step in a major overhaul of the centre's accommodation which currently has a capacity of 160.

Hampshire County Council's Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel has confirmed its approval and Council Leader Ken Thornber will receive the judgement today.

The new two-storey building, designed by award-winning Hampshire County Council architects, would accommodate 60 visitors, with 20 en-suite bedrooms sleeping up to three people.

Councillor Thornber said: "This residential accommodation would greatly enhance the wealth of facilities on offer at Calshot, and benefit new and existing visitors including schools and corporate parties."

The proposed block forms part of a three-year strategy to enhance the County Council's Outdoor Service. If the building gets the go-ahead, staff at the centre would contribute £310,000 towards the total cost of £1,043,000.

Hampshire County Council drew up plans to close the centre in the early 1990s, but the site stayed open after a huge campaign backed by the Daily Echo. It is now in its 41st year.

Today more than 61 full-time staff are employed at the former flying boat base, which has an excellent reputation for water sports. It also boasts an unrivalled range of indoor activities.

It houses the largest climbing wall on the south coast and a ski-slope, all in one enormous hangar.

Customer Services Manager at Calshot Peter Lowe said: "We are very excited that the plans are progressing through the system and that councillors can fully appreciate the difference it will make to Calshot.

"This new block would be the first essential step in providing us with enough accommodation to refurbish our older rooms. It is a very clear signal that the County Council is investing in the centre's long-term future."