Southampton launches consultation on vision for outdoor sports centre

Members of the public are invited to view the latest proposals and submit their feedback on the Draft Masterplan of Improvements for Southampton’s Outdoor Sports Centre.

The Council has launched the 12-week consultation in response to interest in establishing a future vision for the sports centre which would enhance its offer for both competitive sports and leisure users.

The proposals include developing a new hub with changing facilities, a gym and a café, as well as new indoor tennis and netball courts, and new artificial grass football pitches.

The plans for the sports centre also include improving the integrated cycling offering, hockey and cricket pitches, snow sports centre, and on-site parking, alongside creating a new family zone with an outdoor gym, skatepark, and children’s play area, and a new enlarged grandstand and clubhouse for events.

Cllr John Hannides, cabinet member for finance and capital assets at Southampton City Council, said: ‘This consultation is an opportunity for everyone to comment on the proposals to improve Southampton’s Outdoor Sports Centre for the current and future generations of our city. Not only will these improvements enhance the city’s main venue for outdoor sports, but it will also boost the local economy and create new jobs whilst providing the best outcomes for the city by enhancing our natural environment and improving the everyday life for our communities.

‘The changes are essential if we want to support our local sports clubs, their community initiatives and larger city-wide and regional sporting events as we continue to Get Southampton Moving. The regeneration of the centre will also play a part in creating a positive legacy from the UEFA Women’s Euros taking place in July 2022.

‘The proposed improvements support the council’s ambition to become a City of Culture, these changes will significantly improve the suitability of the Outdoor Sports Centre to cater for and host a variety of sporting events. I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation, review the proposed improvements and submit their feedback.’

The consultation will run until 31 October, after which responses will be analysed and a planning application will be submitted for the proposed changes.

In related news, people in Leeds are being encouraged to give feedback on an action plan for the future regeneration of Mabgate, to explore the area’s potential for growth.

Photo supplied by Southampton City Council