PLANS to redevelop an ageing Southampton sports complex have reached a "massive milestone" after civic chiefs threw their weight behind early design work.

Southampton Sports Centre could bring national competition to the city when it is revamped, a meeting heard.

Labour leaders at Southampton City Council are looking for cash to revitalise the centre, which remains popular despite coming under fire for its dated facilities.

The council's cabinet approved feasibility and design studies needed to apply for funding.

As reported by the Daily Echo last week, Southampton FC and its Saints Foundation are among the groups in talks to pay for the revamp, which could provide a new gym, cycling circuit, artificial pitches, new changing rooms and a cafe/restaurant.

A spokesman for operator Active Nation told the meeting: "We hope that the new facilities will encourage more participation generally in sport and exercise, and especially for younger people in the city, who are finding it difficult to engage in physical activity.

"The sports centre is iconic venue, and with the right investment can build upon its legacy of producing world class sportsmen and women.

"There is no reason why Southampton will not be able to hold national level competition in a number of sports."

It follows a consultation involving 1,200 people, where 93 per cent agreed the centre could be improved.

Cllr Satvir Kaur, cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said it was important to bring new users to the centre as well as helping "sporty people get more sporty".

She said: "This is the beginning of a really long journey.

"This is a really exciting, massive milestone for the sports centre. We do need to make it fit for the 21st century and that's what we're trying to do. We're doing it with the backing of the majority of the people who filled out that consultation."

Lyn Hand, chairman of Friends of Southampton Sports Centre steering group, said: "FOSSC is really excited for all sports and recreational users to see the improvement plan moving forwards. Southampton is so fortunate to have this wonderful open space to be used to promote the health and wellbeing of all residents.

"Let's all work together to make sure it happens."

Protesting the closure of the centre's 78-year-old lake for safety reasons, Penny Hastings, of Love the Sports Centre, said biodiversity and history should be better recognised in the plan.

Cllr Kaur said safety was the priority, adding: "We do need to drag it into the 21st century and provide stuff that communities in the 21st century can make use of."

Cllr Kaur also reassured the landlady of the The View pub, Yvette Rumbold, that there were no plans to knock it down.