Plans to create a major new family attraction at The Quays Swimming and Diving Complex are set to be considered by Southampton City Council’s Cabinet on 22 September 2026.
The proposals include a £1.65 million investment in the city centre leisure facility, delivering a new multi-zone Active Play environment, modernised changing facilities, four dedicated party rooms, and improvements to the café, kitchen and reception areas.
The plans form part of Southampton City Council's wider Leisure Transformation Programme, which aims to modernise leisure facilities, improve customer experience, support health and wellbeing and strengthen the long-term sustainability of leisure services.
The proposed Active Play Zone would replace the existing Lagoon Pool and provide dedicated spaces for children from infancy through to early teenage years, including sensory, soft play, activity and interactive play areas.
Swimming and aquatic activities would continue at The Quays through the site's two remaining pools, ensuring residents continue to have access to swimming facilities while benefitting from an expanded family leisure offer.
If approved, the improvements are expected to be completed by summer 2027.
Councillor Toqeer Kataria, Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Leisure at Southampton City Council, said:
"Investment proposals for The Quays are part of a wider transformation of leisure services in Southampton and represent a significant investment in the venue and its future.While swimming and aquatic activities would remain at the heart of The Quays, we also recognise that our city leisure centres currently offer limited dedicated dry-side activity provision for younger children. These proposals provide an opportunity to broaden the family offer by introducing new active play and soft play facilities alongside aquatic activities, giving children and families more ways to be active, healthy and engaged.
The Quays benefits from a flexible diving pool with an adjustable floor, and we are exploring how this space will be used to provide alternative aquatic activities and water confidence sessions for younger children. As plans develop, we will work with users and families to help shape this future provision and ensure it meets their needs.
By creating new opportunities for play, activity and family experiences, alongside improved facilities, we can attract more visitors, strengthen the venue's long-term financial sustainability and ensure it continues to serve local communities for years to come."
This proposal also showcases the council's commitment to its Healthier City Plan mission by helping more children, families and residents to be active, connected and engaged in their local community.
Image credit: Image courtesy of BH Live
