Popular Sheffield boxing club given green light to stay at new venue
A well known Sheffield boxing club has been given the green light to stay at a new base, following the loss of its previous venue.
Aspire Boxing Club had to leave its previous base at the Sheffield Inclusion Unit site, on Spring Lane, Arbourthorne, which had been its based since 2017, in 2024, because the unit needed the space.
But it moved instead to Base Green Community Centre, Frith Road , Base Green, after a brief, temporary move to Woodseats. Woodseats had caused difficulties for some of its members because of travel.
Now Sheffield Council has confirmed it can stay there by granting planning permission for the building to be used as a boxing club.
In its application, the club, run by head coach Ronny Tucker, explained how it was helping turn young lives around, and told council officials: “We had several meetings with members from Sheffield City Council. Eventually we moved into the property at Basegreen.
“The location is good for us as it is on a tram and bus route, this has meant that several of the old members have returned.
“We have collaborated with the local schools, particularly Intake Junior school, several of our members attend Intake School. One young man who we are working with has now started to attend school on a regular basis, he recently attended school the whole week, something that he has not done since September 2024
“Since moving to Basegreen some members have come back as well as new members joining the club. Several parents have stated that the gym will benefit the young people in the area.
“The gym at Basegreen is accessible as it has good access to public transport, the size of the gym meets our needs. England Boxing has assessed the gym; the gym passed the assessment. All the team are volunteers; we give up our time to ensure that we are providing young people with a safe space.”
Council officers said in their own official report on the plans for the building that there were other council-run community facilities within close proximity, at Arbourthorne Social Centre, East Bank Road; Terry Wright Community Centre, Gleadless Road, and and Frecheville Community Centre.
The centre was previously available to various community users, but take-up had declined to one regular craft group meeting, and this group would continue to meet within the boxing gym’s space.
The report stated: “As a result, it is not considered that the proposed change of use would have a detrimental impact in this respect, particularly given the craft group’s continued use and the presence of alternative venues nearby.”