A £36 million transformation at a major sports centre is about to get under way.

The project at Southampton’s Outdoor Sports Centre is being led by Morgan Sindall and funded through the Levelling Up Fund, Southampton City Council, and the Football Foundation.

Work will begin on June 16, following the completion of enabling works in March.

Councillor Toqeer Kataria, cabinet member for communities and leisure at Southampton City Council, said: "I am delighted that the works to the Outdoor Sports Centre project are about to start.

New ski lodge and facilities planned in £30m revampNew ski lodge and facilities planned in £30m revamp (Image: Southampton City Council) "The new state-of-the-art facilities will also significantly help improve health inequalities often felt by our most deprived communities and create many new jobs and opportunities for local people."

The redevelopment will deliver a modern, inclusive sports and leisure facility.

Plans include a new community hub with two covered netball and tennis courts, a gym and fitness suite, accessible changing rooms, flexible club space, and a café with a balcony.

A family zone will also be created, featuring skateboarding facilities, a cycling pump track, play equipment, and a picnic area.

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Athletics upgrades will include a new grandstand, storage, pavilion, toilets, and first aid room.

Three new artificial grass football pitches will be built, including one 11-a-side and two 9-a-side pitches.

The Alpine Snowsports Centre will gain a new ski lodge, learner slope, resurfaced slopes, and improved lighting.

Parking improvements will add 275 spaces, including 20 accessible bays and electric vehicle charging points.

Cricket facilities will see upgraded wickets, drainage, and new artificial surfaces for adult pitches.

Cliff Kinch, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the South, said: "It’s a real honour to be a part of this important project for the local community.

"Our work is vital in turning Southampton City Council’s vision for this new facility into reality and it's great that we can now start on the main delivery of the project."

The centre will remain open as much as possible during construction, with updates on temporary closures to be provided online.

The project is expected to be completed by early 2027.

The design team includes Vail Williams, Architecture PLB, Dutch Landscapes, Alan Wood Partners, Cooper Homewood, and WT Partnerships.