Plans revealed for redevelopment of The Quays in Southampton

Southampton City Council is proposing a major investment at The Quays Swimming and Diving Complex as part of its leisure transformation programme.

The wider programme aims to turn leisure services from a cost into an income-generating service while delivering positive public health outcomes.

The Quays scheme would see the centre’s lagoon leisure pool replaced with a multi-zone active play environment, while retaining the centre's two other pools.

The complex in Harbour Parade would also benefit from four new party rooms, an expanded kitchen, café and reception offer, refurbished reception toilets and a major modernisation of the wet and dry changing facilities.

Councillors are set to debate the project at an overview and scrutiny management committee meeting on Thursday, September 17, before going to cabinet for approval the following week.

A report to the scrutiny committee by director of customer, leisure and regulatory services James Marshall said: “The proposed transformation of the existing lagoon pool into a dedicated active play zone creates a modern, inclusive and highly engaging destination for children and families.

“The new facility will significantly broaden the age range and appeal of the current provision, providing stimulating play experiences for children from infancy through to early teenage years, and will create a year-round attraction that responds to changing customer expectations and evolving leisure trends.”

Council officers acknowledged some residents may oppose the loss of the lagoon pool, identifying public opposition as one of the project's key risks.

The report, which also noted potential discontent from national governing bodies for swimming, said the removal of the pool would not diminish the activity provision available to residents, instead broadening and increasing it.

The lagoon pool mainly serves families and children up to the age of eight.

Mr Marshall’s report said: “Aquatic provision for these families will continue to be available across the site's two remaining pools, ensuring no loss of access to swimming and water-based activity.

“Critically, the new facility will operate at a considerably higher capacity than the leisure pool it replaces.”

The Quays is owned by the council and operated by BH Live Active, who took over the management of the local authority’s leisure centres in September 2025.

The council plans to engage with residents and leisure centre users to inform the final design of the scheme.

The project could be completed by next summer subject to securing relevant approvals.

The cost of the scheme is contained in a confidential appendix, but the council says it expects the investment to pay for itself in less than 10 years.