Group bids to revive Sheffield park

Around 70 people gathered at the Bingham Park bowling pavilion to have their say on plans to transform the site, close to Greystones and Hunters Bar.

Sheffield Council has promised £70,000 to fund improvements, according to Bingham Park Community Group. But the newly-formed residents’ society wants to raise much more to restore dilapidated tennis courts and provide other facilities for visitors of all ages.

Kate Robinson, the group’s secretary, said: “There’s a huge interest in renovating the park, and lots of ideas about new sports facilities that could be created, including table tennis, a bouldering wall or a skate park. We need to liaise with the council to see what they’re happy with and get quotes to see how much we’re looking to raise.”

She said the broad ambition was that three of the park’s eight tennis courts should be resurfaced, with the remaining space used for other sports facilities.

But the improvements would not be cheap, she added, as structural repairs are needed. A mix of fundraising and grants would probably be required, said Kate.

Coun Shaffaq Mohammed, leader of Sheffield Liberal Democrats Group, claimed around £250,000 may be needed in total, to repair the courts and other facilities.

“The turnout showed the massive interest from the community in getting this much-loved community asset back to its glorious best,” he said.

“The £70,000 we already have is not enough to complete what the residents want. We’re looking to work alongside the council, the Lawn Tennis Association and anyone else that’s interested in helping us to rejuvenate the park, which will probably require around £250,000.”

Coun Mohammed said people were keen to see the old putting green restored, and there was also an appetite for a new football pitch, a basketball court and a playground for younger children.