A SOUTHAMPTON sports centre threatened with closure could be saved - by the complex that was meant to replace it.

St Mary's Leisure Centre was given a stay of execution earlier this year by council chiefs but only until the £6m Healthy Living Centre was built.

But the planned gymnasium at the complex was dealt a hammer blow in May when lottery chiefs revealed they would pull the plug on a £2m grant as it would not be finished by 2005.

Now council chiefs have revealed the St Mary's centre could remain open to offer sports facilities alongside the new complex, which will be built next to Charlotte Place.

The ruling Lib Dem group's plans to close St Mary's sparked huge protests and saw a demonstration march through the city centre.

Now the council is in talks with a developer to create student accommodation by the proposed complex to raise the funds needed to ensure it can be built.

The new complex, which is also being funded with regeneration cash and money from the city's primary care trust, will feature a GP surgery and physiotherapy facilities.

Councillor Peter Wakeford admitted the original vision of the complex had changed.

He told a meeting of the Leader's Portfolio Standing Scrutiny Panel: "Things have been up and down for a few years now.

"There is the possibility that St Mary's could be engaged within the Healthy Living Centre."

Panel chairman Councillor June Bridle said: "It's fair to say that the original plan is no more.

It's now a very different animal, though on the same site."

Cllr Wakeford said talks were taking place with a developer and that more details would be given to the Cabinet next month.

"There is a developer that looks and deals with student accommodation and is being engaged in discussions about the site and whether they can deliver extra money towards the Healthy Living Centre."