ALTON’S new sports centre will open its doors at 10am on Saturday.

Olympic swimmer Mark Foster will join forces with hurdler Colin Jackson for a whole day of celebrations.

Historically, East Hampshire District Council paid a subsidy to centre providers.

But now Everyone Active pays the council a licence fee to operate the facility.

As such, it must make a profit to be viable. While this means it does not cost the tax payer any money, there has been an impact on the sports mix included in the inherently commercial facility.

The council leader, Councillor Richard Millard, said: “The new sports centre looks phenomenal and is the perfect modern facility for Alton’s families.

“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved to bring a sports centre of this scale and quality to Alton – and at no cost to the tax payer.

“It will be a wonderful facility, a huge improvement on the tired building currently in use, and a real benefit for Alton and the surrounding area.

“Come along on Saturday and see it for yourself!”