Major upgrade inbound at Southampton’s Outdoor Sports Centre as £30m council plans get approval

Planning permission has been granted for a Southampton City Council project to expand and improve facilities at the Outdoor Sports Centre.

Among the proposed additions are a new family zone, netball and tennis courts, artificial football pitches, a ski lodge and athletics clubhouse, skateboarding facilities, and a 240-seat grandstand.

Also included in the plans is a major new community hub, complete with café, changing rooms, a gym and fitness suite, health and wellbeing rooms, as well as spaces for administration and meetings.

These sweeping changes contrast with the piecemeal improvements made since the opening of the centre in 1938.

But over the last few years and following two city wide consultations, the council has come to recognise the clear requirement for more recreational leisure and competitive sport facilities.

Cllr Toqeer Kataria, Cabinet Member for Communities and Leisure, said: “The approval of the planning application is a fantastic milestone for the project as it marks the beginning of the next phase of the much-needed multi-million-pound improvements to the Outdoor Sports Centre.

“We’re committed to getting more funding for the city, and the successful bid from the Levelling Up Fund of £20m will enhance the opportunities available.

“We understand how important it is to have open spaces in Southampton which help in tackling inequalities in sport and physical activity and improve the quality of life of residents.”

With the government’s support, work on the new and improved centre is due to begin in 2024.

• southampton.gov.uk