New-look recreation centre opened

The new-look Alresford Recreation Centre, now known as The ARC, has been shown off and received a royal seal of approval.

The centre has had a chequered history since Arlebury Park was first acquired some 30 years ago. Most recently the town’s sports and social club ran it but hit severe financial difficulties.

Now the town council has taken control and the refurbished premises boasts the latest projection equipment and sound system, two bars, two meeting rooms and a multi-purpose community hall.

The building already hosts art, craft and Pilates groups, family parties and meetings for many of the town’s organisations and clubs and societies are able to use the meetings rooms free of charge and the main hall for as little as £5 during the week.

All the town’s charities and local organisations were invited for a preview and to enjoy tea with Mary Fagan, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, who officially opened the new premises.

She said: “These are absolutely marvellous facilities: you have thought of everything.”

Mrs Fagan was invited to cut a celebration cake and was presented with a bouquet by eight-year-old Michaela Betteridge, daughter of one of the town council’s clerks.

Owned and managed by New Alresford Town Council, the building also houses its offices and, in recent years, had been the preserve of a sports and social club, with access only for members.

Around the time that organisation was failing, the council was carrying out surveys to ascertain what the community felt was missing in the town.

The answer was a large community centre, so plans to lease the property for commercial use were scrapped and the council took back control of the building, hired a manager, and made plans to create a true community facility.

As well as launching the ARC, the council has recently upgraded the town’s tennis courts adjacent to the building, and created a new petanque terrain, which sits alongside the football pitches in Arlebury Park.