A new era is on the horizon for a popular Southampton leisure centre after an organisation have stepped in to run the facility - with a new date set for the centre to reopen.

Non-profit organisation, Testlands, has been appointed as the long-term leaseholder for St Mary’s Community and Leisure Centre by Southampton City Council, following a cabinet decision on June 17. 

This comes after years of uncertainty for the leisure centre which was under threat of closure before the current Labour administration took power.

Since 2023, the council have been searching for a permanent operator of the centre, which is located on St Mary's Road. 

The centre, which remains owned by the council, closed on March 31 for essential works and is expected to reopen later this year under Testlands’ management.

Councillor Lorna Fielker, leader of Southampton City Council, said: "St Mary’s Community and Leisure Centre is a cornerstone of the community.

"It has a vital role to play in supporting the health and wellbeing of residents by offering a range of leisure, wellness and community facilities."

Testlands, a Southampton-based non-profit, delivers education, sport and wellbeing programmes across the Hampshire area.

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The organisation plans to introduce new initiatives at the centre focusing on mental health, social inclusion and life skills development.

Luke Newman, co-founder of Testlands, said: "At Testlands, our mission is to create and enhance spaces, services and opportunities that remove barriers to wellbeing.

"We work to empower communities in Southampton to thrive.

"Taking on the management of St Mary’s Community and Leisure Centre is an exciting step in that journey."

The centre will continue to offer sports halls, fitness classes, community meeting spaces and youth development programmes.

Testlands aims to develop partnerships with other organisations to broaden its support for residents.

Joe Crook, co-founder of Testlands, said: "Our work is shaped by five pillars of wellbeing: physical, mental, financial, environmental and cultural.

"St Mary’s will be a central part of delivering that vision.

"It will become a welcoming, inclusive hub where local people feel supported, connected and able to shape what happens next.

"We’re proud and excited to get started."

The centre will officially reopen later this year once refurbishment is complete.