A SOUTHAMPTON university has unveiled plans to provide the city with a new watersports centre by replacing an existing complex with purpose-built facilities.

The University of Southampton says the riverside site at Mead Crescent, Swaythling, comprises a scattered collection of old buildings that are no longer fit for purpose.

The public will continue to be provided with access to the site if the proposed development is given the go-ahead.

Daily Echo: An aerial view of the area, with the watersports site outlined in redAn aerial view of the area, with the watersports site outlined in red (Image: Arup)

A design and access statement that forms part of its planning application to the city council says the university is upgrading its sports provision.

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It adds: "An assessment of the current watersports facilities demonstrates that they are not fit for purpose. The university is proposing to replace them with more sustainable and inclusive buildings.

"The centre is well utilised by a range of university and public users, including rowing, canoeing, canoe polo and windsurfing clubs.

"However the existing facilities are made up of a number of ageing and temporary buildings scattered across the site.

"Due to the ad hoc and fragmented nature of the site, grown over time with no masterplan principles applied, the facilities are incoherent and inefficient."

Daily Echo: What the site looks like at the momentWhat the site looks like at the moment (Image: Arup)

One of the proposed new buildings is a watersports block that will enable existing structures to be replaced by a single hub. The other is a boat house.

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A planning statement that also accompanies the application adds: "The site has been used by the University of Southampton for rowing and other watersports since the 1940s.

"It has developed in a piecemeal manner over time and currently contains an ad hoc arrangement of buildings.

"The existing centre provides inadequate facilities and insufficient space, which does not reflect the University of Southampton’s status as a high-performing Russell Group university."

Daily Echo: What the proposed development will look like from a neighbouring railway lineWhat the proposed development will look like from a neighbouring railway line (Image: Watersports)

The centre is open to non-university users, including local schools and colleges.

Following the proposed development the university will continue to provide opportunities for community users to take part in activities on the site.

The statement says: "There is currently no cap imposed on the number of sessions available to the public. The same approach will be taken following the proposed redevelopment of the facility, within the limits of existing staffing levels."

A firing range used by the university's archery club - and previously by its rifle club - will be demolished and not replaced on the site.

The university says both groups will be provided with alternative facilities.