New University of Southampton watersports centre approved

Ageing and supposedly temporary buildings are currently scattered across the site at Mead Crescent, Swaythling.

The existing buildings - used to house the university’s watersports centre and student clubs for rowing, canoeing and windsurfing - are no longer fit for purpose.

The university says they have reached the end of their useful life and are frequently hit by flooding.

The plans have now been given the green light by civic chiefs, paving the way for two new buildings.

This includes a watersports block, rowing boat house, as well as boat and kayak shelters.

What the site looks like at the moment (Image: Arup)

READ MORE: University plans to transform 'inadequate' watersports site - here's how

A statement on the plans included in the application said: “The site has been used by the University of Southampton for rowing and other watersports since the 1940s.

“It has developed in a piecemeal manner over time and currently contains an ad hoc arrangement of buildings.”

What the proposed development will look like from a neighbouring railway line (Image: Watersports)

It added: “The existing buildings are ageing and are no longer fit for purpose. The buildings have been damaged by regular flooding, and there is insufficient storage space on site which means that valuable equipment is stored outside and damaged by exposure to the weather.

“The existing Watersports Centre provides inadequate facilities and insufficient space, which does not reflect the University of Southampton’s status as a high-performing Russell Group university and important institution within the city.”

Although the site is run by the University of Southampton is open to non-university users and used by schools and colleges.

An aerial view of the area, with the watersports site outlined in red (Image: Arup)

The university said: “Following the proposed redevelopment, the University intends to continue to develop these relationships with community users and will continue to offer the same opportunities for community users to engage in activities at the site.

“There is currently no cap imposed on the number of sessions available to the public and the same approach will be taken following the proposed redevelopment of the facility, within the limits of existing staffing levels.”