Southampton Solent University is planning to create a dual-use sports centre as part of a new £25m five-storey development next to the university building.

The sports facility will replace Southampton City Council's St Mary's Sport Centre, which is expected to close, and could feature a fitness suite, a climbing wall, squash courts and a sports hall. The plans, which depend on the purchase of 12-acres of land adjacent to the university, also include a provision for community health such as a GP clinic or physiotherapy, a social area with café, a teaching space and retail units.

Construction of the new facility will be part funded by the council, but when completed will be operated by Solent University. Phil Green, director of Sport Solent, said: "Plans for the centre are still in the very early stages of consideration, but we hope to submit a planning application in 2009." The university hopes construction on the development will begin in 2010.