In Southampton, a £36m transformation of the city’s famous Outdoor Sports Centre is moving to full construction after completion of enabling works.

This represents the first major phase of the comprehensive redevelopment works that will transform the long-established sports centre; a cornerstone of Southampton’s sporting landscape since 1938.

Plans include a new two-storey community hub with indoor courts, gym, café and club space,three new artificial grass football pitches, upgraded cricket and hockey facilities, and a revamped Alpine Snowsports Centre.

The main works, due to complete in early 2027, were procured via the Pagabo Framework. Design partners include Architecture PLB, Vail Williams, Alan Wood Partners, WT Partnerships, Dutch Landscapes, and Cooper Homewood.

In County Durham, Morgan Sindall will also lead construction on a £27m leisure centre in Bishop Auckland. This marks the council’s first new build as part of its county-wide Leisure Transformation Programme.

Replacing the ageing Woodhouse Leisure Complex, the new centre will combine swimming, fitness, wellbeing, library and community space under one roof.

Facilities include a 25m pool, 20m teaching pool, large gym, studios, Innerva-powered Move Hub, children’s adventure play and a new community garden.

The scheme, backed by £2.5m from Sport England, was procured through the UK Leisure Framework and is being delivered by Alliance Leisure with GT3 Architects, Axiom, and DPP. It targets a BREEAM Very Good rating and full electric heating via air source heat pumps.