Southampton City Council is pleased to announce that Testlands will become the new operator of Townhill Park Community Centre from 1 September 2026, ensuring the valued community facility continues to provide activities, services and opportunities for local residents.
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.
The council would like to thank City Life Church, which has successfully operated the community centre for the past 10 years. During that time, the organisation has provided a welcoming and inclusive space for residents, local groups and activities, helping the centre become a valued part of community life.
Dan Pooley from City Life Church said:
"Our time of running Townhill Park Community Centre is coming to an end after ten years of serving the neighbourhood through the centre. It has been a huge privilege to keep the centre open through covid and the ongoing regeneration in the area, and help ensure a place of vital connection remains open and accessible to those living locally.ย
โWe're also delighted that the new lease has been awarded to Testlands. They have a strong community focus and an excellent track record of managing community facilities, and we know the centre will be in very capable hands. We wish them every success as they build on what has been achieved over the past decade, and we look forward to seeing the Community Centre continue to thrive for the benefit of local residents.โ
Testlands brings extensive experience of supporting communities, families and young people across Southampton and will work closely with existing users to ensure a smooth transition when it takes over management of the centre.
Luke Newman, Co-founder of Testlands, said:
โTestlands is delighted to have been chosen by Southampton City Council as the new operator of Townhill Park Community Centre, taking on the lease and management of the building from 1st September 2026.
โThe 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."
Councillor Toqeer Kataria, Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Leisure, said:
"Townhill Park Community Centre plays a vital role in bringing people together, supporting local activities and helping residents feel connected to their community. I am delighted that Testlands will be taking on the management of the centre from September, providing continuity for existing users while helping the centre continue to thrive into the future.
"I would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to City Life Church for its dedication and commitment over the past decade. Their hard work has helped make the community centre the valued local asset it is today.
"We look forward to working with Testlands as they begin this next chapter and continue to provide opportunities, activities and support for local people."
Further information about activities and services at Townhill Park Community Centre will be shared in due course.
