Photo: Google Maps
A “Community Demonstration & March” is billed for Saturday demanding the reopening of St Mary’s Leisure Centre (SMLC).
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As reported, Southampton City Council (SCC) consulted residents to “understand the impact of a proposed end to leisure services” at the former drill hall and Grade II listed building on St Mary’s Road.
An SCC report [pdf] to be discussed by cabinet on Monday (Feb 21 – Item 7 – ) recommends “to permanently cease leisure services at SMLC and approve in principle the disposal of the site” on the open market.
It adds that it could be worth up to £810,000, and notes its condition, suggesting interior facilities are “poor and likely to be costly to maintain”, especially because of its listed status.
Of its consultation, the report says 1,758 responses were received with 75% from facility users, or parents of users.
It says: “The highest numbers of responses were from those who take part in badminton activities, football and exercise classes. The highest proportion of respondents were of Asian/Asian British ethnicity (892 responses - 51%) and White British ethnicity (288 responses -16%).”
The report adds that 86% of respondents reported a negative impact of “discontinuation of services”, and 7% a positive impact.
The facility closed on December 23, and has been shut ever since, pending a formal council decision.
The action is billed to take place from 11am, assembling at SMLC, marching to the Bargate.
Photo: Google Maps