Outdoor Sports Centre 3G Pitch Works begin
Limonta Smith have been appointed to deliver specialist construction works and installation of state-of-the-art 3G pitches at the Outdoor Sports Centre, which will start on Tuesday 26 August
The improvements will involve replacing four existing grass pitches with high-quality, all-weather surfaces. The new facilities will include an 11v11 full-size pitch and two 9v9 pitches, each designed for flexibility to accommodate a range of age groups and small-sided matches.
Limonta Smith are a civil engineering and construction company that specialises in sports surfaces and facilities. They have a wealth of experience in delivering 3G pitches, having been involved in the Stoneham Lane Football Complex, located in Eastleigh.
These new facilities form part of the overall Outdoor Sports Centre redevelopment, which began in June 2025. The football project has been funded by a £4m grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.
Four of the grass pitches are being replaced with the new Artificial Grass Pitches (AGP’s). The pitches will be closed during this time. However, there are two pitches on site which will remain open for informal use. The works are due to be completed in early 2026.
Councillor Toqeer Kataria, Cabinet Member for Leisure and People at Southampton City Council, said: “The installation of the 3G pitches and improvements to the remaining grass football pitches at the site represent significant progress of the Outdoor Sports Centre Project.
“The improvements will ensure there are increased opportunities for juniors, women, and girls to participate at all levels. The addition of floodlit, all-weather facilities is expected to dramatically increase year-round usage and capacity.”
Ken Smith, Managing Director at Limonta Smith, said: “Limonta Smith is proud to be delivering the next phase of improvements at Southampton’s Outdoor Sports Centre. We will replace four grass pitches with three floodlit, all-weather 3G surfaces, one full-size 11v11 and two 9v9, significantly increasing year-round capacity and creating more opportunities for the city. Supported by the Football Foundation, our focus is to provide the community with three new artificial pitches built to a high standard”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.
“Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.
“We’re delighted that works are now underway to redevelop the facilities at the Outdoor Sports Centre and we’re excited to see the new pitches in action.”
ENDS
About the Football Foundation
The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and Government’s charity that delivers outstanding grassroots facilities, more and better places to play, transforming lives and communities where it is needed most.
The Foundation’s goal is to unlock the power of pitches ensuring every community has a great place to play regardless of gender, race, disability or place.
Since its creation in 2000, the Foundation has invested £1.3 billion to improve grassroots facilities across the country – including 1,200 3G pitches, 14,000 grass pitches and 1,600.