A leisure centre which closed for refurbishments nearly six months ago is not expected to reopen until next year.
St Mary's Leisure and Community Centre closed on March 31 for essential repair works worth £2.5 million, including upgrades to accessible toilets, lighting, and electrical improvements in some areas of the venue.
There will also be external work to the roofs, repairs to the fire escape routes and exits, and work on the heating and cooling systems.
Southampton City Council has confirmed works are currently underway and the centre is expected to reopen early 2026.
It had initially been reported that the centre was due to be reopened by the end of the year.
A spokesperson for the council said: "These essential works will be carried out so that the venue can operate under a new provider as a venue that the local community can use and enjoy for a wide range of activities for many years to come."
Once the works are completed, non-profit organisation Testlands will take over the management and day-to-day running of the centre.
The building will remain owned by Southampton City Council.
The appointment, in June, came after years of uncertainty for the leisure centre which was under threat of closure before the current Labour administration took power.
Councillor Lorna Fielker, former leader of Southampton City Council, said at the time: "St Mary’s Community and Leisure Centre is a cornerstone of the community.
"It has a vital role to play in supporting the health and wellbeing of residents by offering a range of leisure, wellness and community facilities."
Testlands, a Southampton-based non-profit, delivers education, sport and wellbeing programmes across the Hampshire area.
The organisation plans to introduce new initiatives at the centre focusing on mental health, social inclusion and life skills development.
Luke Newman, co-founder of Testlands, said: "At Testlands, our mission is to create and enhance spaces, services and opportunities that remove barriers to wellbeing.
"We work to empower communities in Southampton to thrive.
"Taking on the management of St Mary’s Community and Leisure Centre is an exciting step in that journey."
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