£2.5 Million Revamp Underway at St Mary’s Community and Leisure Centre

Major refurbishment works are currently underway at St Mary’s Community and Leisure Centre, following a £2.5 million investment aimed at transforming the facility into a modern, accessible, and sustainable venue for local residents.

The centre closed its doors to the public on Monday 31 March 2025, and is expected to reopen in early 2026, following an extensive programme of internal and external upgrades.

Upgrades to Benefit the Whole Community

The refurbishment project includes a series of essential building repairs and improvements. Internally, works will focus on upgrading accessible toilets, enhancing lighting and electrical systems, and modernising heating and cooling facilities throughout the centre.

Externally, significant attention is being given to the building’s roof, including a full replacement of the main sports hall roof and targeted repairs to other sections. Fire escape routes and exits are also being repaired to meet updated safety standards.

These upgrades are designed to ensure the venue remains a welcoming, multi-use space for the community — offering improved comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.

New Management for a New Era

Local social enterprise Testlands has been appointed as the long-term leaseholder and will take over management and day-to-day operations of the centre once refurbishment works are complete. The building will remain under the ownership of Southampton City Council.

The appointment of Testlands marks a new chapter for the centre, with a focus on community-led programming and inclusive activities for all ages.

Earlier this year, representatives of Testlands shared their vision for the centre:

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.
Through our approach — which we call Intelligent Regeneration — we focus on listening to communities, unlocking local strengths, and developing services that are built to last.”

Joe Crook, Co-Founder of Testlands, added:
“Our work is shaped by five pillars of wellbeing: physical, mental, financial, environmental, and cultural. St Mary’s will play a central role in 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.”

Looking Ahead

The refurbishment is part of a broader commitment by Southampton City Council to invest in local infrastructure and community wellbeing. Once reopened, the centre is expected to offer a wide range of recreational, cultural, and support services for the city’s diverse population.

Further updates on the project and Testlands’ future plans for the centre will be shared in the coming months.