Morgan Sindall Construction has started work on a 拢36m scheme for Southampton City Council to revamp the city鈥檚 sports centre.
The project, funded through the Levelling Up Fund, Southampton City Council and the Football Foundation, will transform the long-established sports centre that has been a cornerstone of Southampton's sporting landscape since 1938. The project will create new facilities while preserving the venue's heritage.
The project is scheduled for completion in early 2027, with the sports centre remaining open wherever possible during construction.
Facilities being delivered include a two-storey building with covered netball and tennis courts, gym and fitness suite, community spaces and caf茅 with landscape seating terrace. There will also be a new family zone with skateboarding ramps, a cycling pump track and play equipment in the transformed former boating lake area. Athletics facilities will be improved with a new grandstand and pavilion. The Alpine Snowsports Centre will get a new ski lodge and learner slope. Three new artificial grass football pitches will be laid. And there will be landscaped woodland car parking for 275 vehicles.
The ceremonial ground breaking event was attended by the local MP, councillors and senior staff from Morgan Sindall Construction.
Morgan Sindall Construction area director Cliff Kinch said: 鈥淏reaking ground today marks a pivotal moment in the transformation of Southampton鈥檚 Outdoor Sports Centre 鈥� a project that will deliver real, lasting value for the community. This 拢36m investment will help secure the future of this much-loved venue, preserving its heritage while building for tomorrow鈥檚 needs, ensuring Southampton is a hub for sporting talent, pride and participation for generations to come.鈥�
Councillor Simon Letts, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and corporate services, said: 鈥淥ur Outdoor Sports Centre has been a fantastic place for so many people since it first opened in 1938 and these improvements will ensure that it can support people in getting active, and getting competitive, for many years to come. As a regional centre for sports, this significant investment in our facilities will generate jobs for local people, support local organisations and clubs and attract visitors from outside of the area to enjoy this.鈥�
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