New images showing how Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre will look following a major redevelopment have been released ahead of planning permission, which is expected to be granted within the coming weeks.
The design by architects LK2 include improved provision for football, tennis, cricket, cycling, netball and hockey with the addition of three new artificial grass football pitches and a new sports hall with indoor tennis and netball courts.
Further improvements include a regenerated alpine Snowsports centre with a new ski lodge and extensions to the ski slopes, new athletics grandstand, clubhouse and changing facilities, car parking and cycle park. The former boating lake will be transformed into a family zone providing open space access to an outdoor gym, ‘learn to ride’ cycling, skatepark, and children's play.
The project inception first surfaced in 2013 when the Football Association requested LK2 review the football provision as a key member of the framework for a project valued at £12m. Years of engagement, investment and planning ensued with multiple stakeholders and National Governing Bodies, resulting in a significant self-sustaining project now valued at £24m.
The facility is set to welcome over 260,000 visits per annum, stimulating significant social and economic benefits for the local and regional Solent community.
