Community Hub Case Study - Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre
Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre is the focus of the final article in our mini-series on Community Hubs. This exciting regeneration project is currently in progress and is a prime example of how we, at LK2, can elevate a brief to maximise the user groups it serves.
Our vision and expertise allowed us to see far more depth in the project. Rather than just transforming existing sporting facilities, we designed a nucleus which not only doubled the original project value and expanded revenue streams, it also created a space for community to come together for both physical and social activity.
Throwing out the brief
In 2013 the Football Association requested LK2 review football provision at the existing Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre facility, potentially creating two new artificial grass pitches, valued at £4million. We immediately saw the potential beyond football for a fully community-centric, multi-activity facility.
Following consultation with the Local Authority and other sporting National Governing Bodies we were able to identify other capital sources and income streams, including offsetting adjacent land where feasibility studies for social housing were prepared to increase available capital funds which then aligned as match funding for the levelling up bid.
Our plans envisioned a full regeneration of the existing 56 acre traditional and alternative sports site set in rolling parkland, to create an exemplar sports, activity and community destination. This optimisation of the sports facilities, along with identification of other grants reinforced the business plan creating a project valued at £24 million.
The plans included provision for multiple sports, including hockey, netball, football, cycling, tennis and skateboarding, as well as the snowsport centre. We ensured we spoke to the people who knew these sports the best throughout, engaging with multiple national governing bodies to garner their support and expertise.
A profitable plan
Grand plans need to come with profitability and community hubs allow for revenue generation through social spaces.
At Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre we designed a Community Hub which is home to netball and tennis courts, a fitness suite and changing village, a cafe and meeting and well-being spaces. From the hub, there are views across the park area and external terraces for fine weather use.
In addition the Alpine Snow Sports Centre has been completely reimagined, with all existing slopes and lifts replaced. An extended learner slope and the new two-storey Ski Lodge change the snow sports area from a pure sports arena to a place where groups can meet, play and relax.
By sculpting inviting areas, for people to spend time and money, as well as hire courts and rooms, we have designed a centre that will deliver wide-ranging health, social and community benefits with projected monetarised benefits of £98.8 million.
Not forgetting the outdoor part!
Stepping outdoors our plans fashioned the transformation of an old boating lake to an athletics pavilion, cycle and skate parks, outdoor gym and family play zone. These will sit alongside 3G artificial grass pitches and the existing, improved grass and mini soccer pitches, which are part of the Parklife Football Hubs Programme.
A new woodland car park will ensure the centre is easily accessible for those who live close by and farther afield, helping to build healthier communities in Southampton and across Hampshire.
A hub for the community
The most important voices are those of the individuals our plans will benefit. Our public consultation process returned a resounding ‘yes’ from local people, with 97% of those surveyed welcoming the new facilities.
‘With the plans and designs for the Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre becoming a reality we are delighted to watch this revitalised facility take shape.
We are confident this vibrant community hub will improve the quality of life in the local area by providing inclusive access to sport and delivering sustainable economic, social, health and wellbeing outcomes.’ Andy Neman, Director.
Your Community Hub
If you would like to learn more about LK2’s work in building Community Hubs and follow this mini-series, click here.
Or get in touch with us directly to learn more.