LEISURE centre users are set to be affected as a Southampton site is due to close at the end of this year.

Since 2010, St Mary's Leisure Centre has been managed by Solent University on behalf of Southampton City Council, allowing members of the community to access a range of indoor activities.

Now though, it has been announced that the facility will close as of December 31, meaning that customers will be made to look elsewhere for leisure services.

Following the completion of the university's new Solent Sports Complex just a few roads away, a range of activities currently being run at the St Mary's Road site are also being offered at the new facility.

From December 23, St Mary's Leisure Centre is due to close for Christmas and New Year as usual, but will remain closed after the festive period until a decision is made on plans for ending its services.

Councillor John Hannides, Cabinet Member for Finance and Capital Assets, said: “Due to the condition of the building, which will require significant repair, and a decrease in user numbers over recent years, we are proposing to end leisure services at St Mary’s Leisure Centre.

"Our aspiration is for modern, accessible leisure facilities that contribute to the improvement of health for people in Southampton."

Now a consultation is being launched for eight weeks which the council says will help it to understand the impact of the changes on users.

Running until January 24, and viewable on the council's website, everyone who uses the centre is being encouraged to take part.

Users of St Mary’s Leisure Centre are also now being signposted to a variety of alternative indoor leisure venues in the city including The Quays and Bitterne Leisure Centre.

Martin Nailor, Head of Solent Sport, said: “It has been my privilege to support our dedicated team of staff and students who have worked with colleagues from Southampton City Council since 2010, enabling the community to benefit from continued use of St Mary’s.

“At Solent University we will continue to play our part, harnessing and utilising our skills and knowledge and transferring these into activities and opportunities where possible, to bring benefit to both our community and in the development of our students.”