St Mary's Leisure Centre to reopen in Southampton next week

The popular facility has been the subject of much debate ever since it closed at the end of last year under the Conservative administration. 

Users of the site launched a campaign to secure its reopening and following Labour's victory on May 5, new council leader, Cllr Satvir Kaur pledged to reopen the centre. 

Now, more than seven months after it was shut down, St Mary's is due to open its doors on Tuesday. 

Cllr Lorna Fielker, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Leisure, said: “We have made excellent progress following last week’s decision to reopen St Mary’s Leisure Centre and I am thrilled we can now announce the official opening next Tuesday.

Cllr Satvir Kaur outside St Mary's Leisure Centre.

“I am so proud that we have been able to reopen this much-loved and much-needed leisure centre so quickly, just a couple of months after our new administration took control of the council in May.

"I look forward to welcoming the local community back and hearing more about their long-term aspirations for this venue at our launch event next week.”

The centre will re-launch with a free drop-in session for residents and possible future members to find out more about the centre and what it offers. 

The opening comes after concerns were previously raised about the cost of relaunching the centre. 

Former finance boss under the Conservative administration, Cllr John Hannides, said reopening St Mary's Leisure Centre would cost the taxpayer up to £5,000 a week in running costs. 

READ MORE: 'Reopening St Mary's Leisure Centre would cost thousands each week'

He also said that around £400,000 would be needed just to get the centre to a point where it is safe to reopen. 

But Cllr Toqeer Kataria, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We know from feedback we received during the recent consultation that this leisure centre means a lot to the local community and the groups who used it.

"I am delighted we will now be able to reopen this community asset and work together with the community and Active Nation to ensure St Mary’s Leisure Centre delivers the best outcomes and value for users.

“Now we have achieved our short-term plan of getting St Mary’s Leisure Centre reopen, we can focus on the long-term plan to secure the venue’s future by working in partnership with the local community to establish what that looks like.”

St Mary's Leisure Centre.

The drop-in session will run from 5pm until 7pm on Tuesday and will be run by the city council and Active Nation. 

Stuart Martin, Managing Director at Active Nation, added: “Our mission is to persuade the nation to be active through physical activity, exercise and sport.

"The reopening of St Mary’s Leisure Centre will help communities across the city be more active, healthier and happier.

“Active Nation are delighted to be working in partnership and supporting Southampton City Council in the reopening of St Mary’s Leisure Centre.

"We look forward to welcoming the first of our venue users from Tuesday next week.”

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