Approval granted for a new Family Zone at the Outdoor Sports Centre
Southampton City Council’s Local Planning Authority team has approved the application for the construction of a new Family Zone at the Outdoor Sports Centre
The Family Zone is part of the wider improvement plans to the Outdoor Sports Centre and will include skateboarding facilities, a cycling pump track, play equipment and picnic space, in a landscaped setting.
The new site will be located in the current unused area of the Sports Centre historically used as a boating lake; this will bring families back to this area of the centre with a range of opportunities available. In addition, the disused single storey building, which will be removed to facilitate the construction of the new Family Zone. The site will provide an attractive and safe environment for children and families of all ages.
Morgan Sindall Construction was appointed in 2023 to develop and deliver on behalf of Southampton City Council the ambitious improvements to Southampton’s Outdoor Sports Centre following the successful bid for Levelling Up Funding and £4 million funding from the Football Foundation. The project sets out the future vision to develop key areas for the many sports clubs and recreational facilities.
Enabling works at the sports centre are underway, with the main contract due to commence later this spring with completion anticipated in late 2026. Along with the new Family Zone, the upgrades to the sports centre will include:
- A new Community Hub including changing facilities, café, gym, and studio
- Two covered netball and tennis courts
- Three new artificial grass football pitches
- New lodge at the Snowsports Centre and new learner slope
- A new athletics clubhouse and 240-seat grandstand
- Parking improvements
- Floodlight improvements
- Improved cycling and walking facilities across the park
Councillor Toqeer Kataria, Cabinet Member for Communities and Leisure said: “The approval of the Family Zone planning application marks one of the final milestones before the main programme of works begin.
“The transformation of the Family Zone will create a space for the whole family, of all ages and abilities, promoting movement in all its forms. It will provide a mix of leisure facilities and a place for families to socialise and enjoy time together”.
Councillor Simon Letts, Deputy Leader for Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services said: “The regeneration of the Outdoor Sports Centre with new state-of-the-art facilities will support budding athletes in many sports to follow their dreams and help to put Southampton on the map.
Significantly it will also create many new jobs and opportunities for local people and contribute to improved health outcomes for years to come”.
