SPORTS facilities used by thousands of people in Southampton are to be improved through a scheme that could see more than £1m spent boosting outdoor recreation in the city.

The city council is spending £350,000 collected through contributions from developers as part of the planning process to provide better outdoor sports facilities for schools, clubs and residents.

But it has managed to secure several grants from organisations Active Nation, My Time Active and Children’s Services to increase the cash available for the project.

And the authority is hoping to get yet more funding from other groups that will take the value of the project past the £1m mark.

Civic bosses have committed to spending £100,000 on a brand new, state-of-the-art artificial turf sports pitch, at a location in the city that has yet to be decided.

Nine existing playing fields are set to be “significantly improved” under the project, which could start in the new year, while it is also hoped six tennis courts at Southampton Sports Centre will be resurfaced, and improvements to the cricket netting facilities.

Better drainage will be provided at Southampton Golf Course, which is now run by My Golf, with tees also improved.

And the Pitch and Putt course in Riverside Park, Woodmill, is also set to benefit from improved drainage.

It is hoped similar improvements to the pitches at Lordshill Recreation Ground, known as Five Acres, which often becomes waterlogged and unplayable, will mean they can be used in spite of wet weather.

Southampton’s leisure boss, Councillor John Hannides said: “This is great news for our residents and especially for our children, who deserve good-quality playing fields and outdoor sporting facilities.

“The use of this money will make a huge difference to peoples’ enjoyment and give many more residents access to our pitches.”