Southampton Sports Centre Embarks on £36 Million Transformation with Topping-Out Ceremony

Southampton’s Outdoor Sports Centre has reached a significant construction milestone with a topping-out ceremony for its new community hub. This event marks a key stage in the £36 million redevelopment project, which is set to modernise the 56-acre facility and provide state-of-the-art amenities for residents and sports enthusiasts alike.

Key Takeaways

A topping-out ceremony was held for the new community hub, signifying a major construction milestone.
The £36 million project is on track for completion by spring next year.
The redevelopment includes a new community hub, covered sports courts, an athletics pavilion, and a family zone with a skate park and pump track.
Funding for the project comes from the Levelling Up Fund, Southampton City Council, and the Football Foundation.

A New Era For Southampton’s Sports Facilities

The redevelopment of Southampton’s Outdoor Sports Centre, a project valued at £36 million, has achieved a significant construction milestone with a topping-out ceremony for its new community hub. The ceremony, attended by contractors, council leaders, and leisure operators, took place just seven months after construction began. The overall scheme is progressing well and is scheduled for completion by spring of next year.

Councillor Toqeer Kataria, cabinet member for leisure and communities, expressed the project’s importance for the city and its residents, noting the substantial progress made since the groundbreaking ceremony.

Enhanced Facilities For All

Once completed, the revitalised centre will boast a range of new and improved facilities. These include:

A new community hub building.
Two covered sports courts.
An alpine ski lodge within the snow sports area.
An athletics pavilion featuring a large grandstand.
A family zone with a skate park, pump cycle track, and play area.

Councillor Simon Letts highlighted the historical significance of the site, which was originally built in the 1930s, and the council’s commitment to investing in its transformation.

Funding and Community Impact

The ambitious redevelopment is supported by a combination of funding sources, including £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund, £4 million from the Football Foundation, and contributions from Southampton City Council. Morgan Sindall, the contractor for the project, has expressed pride in their involvement, emphasizing the positive impact the new infrastructure will have on the local community.

The 56-acre Outdoor Sports Centre is managed by BH Live on behalf of Southampton City Council, and the centre is expected to remain open as much as possible during the construction period, with updates on any temporary closures to be provided.