Southampton: Levelling Up £20m boost praised by city leaders

The Outdoor Sports Centre in Thornhill Road is set to benefit from major upgrades and a new sports pitch thanks to funding from central government.

And the ambitious plans are expected to deliver £98.8 millions of benefits, according to Southampton City Council.

Southampton’s Outdoor Sports Centre plans (Image: Southampton City Council)

This comes after the council previously bid for £55m of funding.

No funds were given for plans to pedestrianise East Street and Bargate Street were not given the green light - but the council is reviewing this now.

Cllr Satvir Kaur, leader of the council, said: “Winning the bid for inclusive access to sport is great news and a vote of confidence in Southampton’s ambition, capability, and vision.

“Improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Southampton’s people is a top priority for the council and this project is a cornerstone in achieving this objective.”

Deputy leader of the council, Cllr Lorna Fielker, said: “It’s so important to have a sports facility in Southampton that supports target groups and focuses on accessibility and inclusivity in sport.

“This is why winning the Levelling Up Funding was crucial as it will help to dramatically increase opportunities for communities across the city to increase their level of physical activity.”

READ MORE: £20m awarded to Southampton to improve multi-sport facility

This is one of two projects in Hampshire to receive a share of the £186m national total.

A state-of-the-art leisure centre, library and cultural space in Farnborough will also receive £20m to help tackle high levels of obesity, inactivity and poor mental health in the surrounding area.

The £20m will “support community growth, jobs, investment and public health” according to Ross McNally, chief executive and executive chairman of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

He said: “We welcome the funding of £20 million apiece for these two facilities.

"At the same time, we hope the government will channel much more money towards levelling up in our region.

"To truly unlock Hampshire’s economic potential, we need to see further on-the-ground improvements to industrial and infrastructure investment."

The council will be reviewing options for the remaining projects within Bargate Square, Mayflower Park and city centre transport improvements on Queensway north and Hanover Square, including alternative funding sources and future bidding opportunities.

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