Morgan Sindall Begins £36m Transformation of Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre

Morgan Sindall has commenced a comprehensive £36 million redevelopment of Southampton’s Outdoor Sports Centre, originally opened in 1938. The project is funded through the Levelling Up Fund, Southampton City Council, and the Football Foundation, and is expected to be completed in early 2027.

Project Scope

• Community Hub:

  New two-storey building featuring gym, fitness suite, café, flexible space, and indoor netball/tennis courts.

• Family Zone:

  Former boating lake converted into skate park, cycling pump track, children’s play area, and picnic space.

  
  

• Athletics Facilities:

  Upgraded track, pavilion with changing rooms, scoring area, and a new 240-seat grandstand.

  
  

• Snow Sports Centre:

  Refurbished ski lodge, resurfaced slope with LED lighting, and learning facilities.

  
  

• Football Pitches:

  Three new floodlit artificial grass pitches for 11-a-side and 9-a-side play.

  
  

• Other Amenities: Enhanced cricket and hockey pitches, 275-space woodland car park with EV chargers, cycle and pedestrian routes, and pitch drains in line with UEFA legacy plans.

  
  

Programme and Phasing

• Enabling Works Completed: March 2025 included drainage, power diversions, and tree removal.

• Main Construction Underway: Ground-breaking held 27 June; phased sequencing ensures most facilities remain open during works.

• Commissioning: Expected early 2027, aligned with active sports schedules.

Delivery Team and Funding

• Main Contractor: Morgan Sindall Construction (South region), with site leadership by Cliff Kinch.

• Client: Southampton City Council.

• Framework & Design Team: Procured through Pagabo Major Works; design support from Architecture PLB, Vail Williams, Alan Wood Partners, WT Partnerships, Dutch Landscapes, Cooper Homewood.

• Operator: Places for People post-completion.

• Funders: £20m from Levelling Up Fund and £4m from Football Foundation, with strategic oversight for project continuity and engagement.

Risks and Mitigation

• Phasing Complexity: Silent construction hours, stakeholder engagement, and sequencing strategies to minimise disruption.

• Budget Control: Sustainable technologies (PV panels, air-source heat pumps) require tight cost management during delivery.

• Community Continuity: Engagement with clubs and residents through a stakeholder committee; library alongside site microsite updates for transparency.

Community and Sector Impact

• Community Wellness: A modern, inclusive facility that supports youth development, physical health, and social cohesion—especially in underserved communities.

• Local Economy: Generates regional employment and apprenticeships; supports local supply chains in materials and services.

• Environmental & Social Value: Aligns with carbon reduction targets and biodiversity goals; enhances green infrastructure and active travel.

• Legacy Infrastructure: Designed to sustain legacy from UEFA Women’s EURO, positioning Southampton as a hub for regional sports and wellbeing.