Southampton City Council has revealed a new operator to take over the running of Townhill Park Community Centre from September.
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As previously reported, City Life church, the leaseholder since 2016, is giving up its management of the community centre due to financial challenges.
SCC said in a statement existing activities and bookings at the centre will continue as normal, giving residents, community groups and regular users confidence that the centre will remain an important hub for the local community.
New operator Testlands says it is “ a community-focused charity at the heart of Southampton, dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of children, young people, and families”.
As reported, it was recently also approved by the council to run St Mary’s Leisure Centre.
Co-founder of Testlands Luke Newman said: “The centre will continue to serve the groups and residents who already rely on it, and Testlands looks forward to working with the local community to build on its role as a welcoming space for Townhill Park.
"We're proud to be taking on Townhill Park Community Centre and continuing its legacy as a hub for the local community. We're looking forward to working closely with existing groups and residents as we settle in from September."
Council leisure cabinet member Toqeer Kataria (Lab) said he is delighted Testlands will be taking over, “providing continuity for existing users while helping the centre continue to thrive into the future”.
Ward councillor Amanda Barnes-Andrews (Lab)also welcomed the move, saying: “Bitterne Park councillors are delighted that Testlands have agreed to take over management of Townhill Park Community Centre. This is an important venue for many local groups and it’s such a relief that their activities can continue. We wish Testlands all the very best and will offer support where we can.”