Sheffield City Council abandons plan to demolish Hillsborough Leisure Centre
"This investment would allow us to significantly improve the centre sooner than originally planned”
Sheffield City Council has abandoned plans to demolish one of Sheffield’s most popular leisure centres.
Hillsborough Leisure Centre will have an £11m refurbishment after officials found that - compared to a rebuild - the same benefits could be achieved, cheaper and without closing it for two years.
The authority unveiled demolition plans in 2023, stating it was the most cost effective way to upgrade the aging facility, taking sustainability into account.
No financial estimate for the project has been disclosed.
Sheffield City Council declared a ‘climate emergency’ in 2019, with the aim of being ‘carbon neutral’ by 2030.
Now, the council’s finance and performance committee will be asked to sign off the £11m revamp on Monday, October 19.
Proposed improvements include refurbished changing facilities, investment to the pool hall, new and upgraded studio spaces, new health suite, expanded and refurbished gym, changes to parking, better cycle storage and refurbishment of the exterior.
A report to the committee states feasibility studies carried out with council leisure operator Everyone Active ‘determined that a full rebuild of Hillsborough is not necessary and the same benefits can be achieved through a refurbishment, which presents a more cost-effective approach and removes the need to close the venue for two years’.
‘Phased delivery’ aims to minimise disruption, it adds.
Everyone Active says it has already spent £500,000 upgrading the gym and spin cycle studio.
Coun Brian Holmshaw, chair of the communities, parks and leisure policy committee at Sheffield City Council, said: "Hillsborough Leisure Centre plays an important role in the lives of local people. From swimming lessons and fitness classes to everyday exercise, it supports the health and wellbeing of thousands of residents.
"This investment would allow us to significantly improve the centre sooner than originally planned, creating better facilities while keeping disruption to a minimum. It is part of our wider commitment to providing modern and more environmentally sustainable leisure facilities that are accessible, welcoming and fit for the future."