QUESTIONS have been raised over plans for a new £30m community hub in Southampton.

As previously reported, in March civic chiefs confirmed that they were planning to invest £30m to improve facilities in Bitterne.

At the time, the council said plans for a community hub in Bitterne would aim to improve residents’ access to public services by combining health, leisure, library and other community support facilities in one location in the heart of the district centre.

But now, questions have been raised about the new Conservative administration's commitment to the project which was originally started when Labour had control of the council.

Leader of the council, Cllr Daniel Fitzhenry told the Echo that the project is currently under review to find a "less costly way" of delivering something in the area.

But Cllr Satvir Kaur, Leader of the Opposition said: “Cllr Fitzhenry and this Conservative council need to stop misleading and lying to residents.

"They confirmed at our last Full Council meeting that they had no intention to continue with the Bitterne Hub project. They’re more interested in throwing money into the city centre, whereas Labour believe our district centres deserve better facilities and more investment.

"Labour’s plan for a new Bitterne Hub was due to create hundreds of new jobs and generate £318 million extra spending into the precinct, supporting local businesses and saving our local high street. It’s clear now only a Labour Council will ensure this is done.”

At a council meeting last week, questions were raised by the opposition regarding the hub.

Cllr Fitzhenry, added: "As a new Conservative Council, we’re reviewing all of the capital projects.

"We have some concerns that tens of millions of pounds have been allocated for the Bitterne Hub project and we are reviewing this to ensure that we can get a good outcome for the community, but in a much less costly way than previously proposed."

But Eamonn Keogh, community champion and ex-Peartree Labour councillor said: “Everyone in the community agrees that Bitterne Precinct needs more investment and better facilities, with this Bitterne Hub project being a once in a generation opportunity to transform the area, which included a new library, leisure offer and health provision.

"It’s a shame the local Tories don’t think this is important and that we’re not worth it here. I’ll keep working with residents to ensure we don’t keep getting side-lined and will continue to fight for this project and our fair-share in the city.”