Sheffield sets out ambitious vision for the future of sport and leisure facilities

The Built Sport and Leisure Facilities Strategy 2025–2039 provides the first ever comprehensive citywide framework for planning, protecting, and investing in sport and leisure facilities across Sheffield over the next 15 years when the population of the city is estimated to increase by almost 75,000 people.

The approach focuses on a city-owned rather than a Sheffield City Council strategy alone. It covers sport and leisure facilities across Sheffield regardless of ownership, including Council-owned venues, community-owned places, schools, universities, voluntary organisations and private providers. The Built Sport and Leisure Facilities Strategy 2025–2039 provides the first-ever comprehensive citywide framework for planning, protecting, and investing in sport and leisure facilities across Sheffield over the next 15 years, when the population of the city is estimated to increase by almost 75,000 people.s a document for the whole of Sheffield, for the benefit of the residents and visitors to the city.

The strategy highlights both Sheffield’s strengths and the challenges ahead. While the city has a broad range of sport and leisure facilities, many are ageing and face increasing pressure from a growing population.

Evidence shows that having facilities is only part of the picture. Access, affordability, quality, and location all play a crucial role in helping residents become more active and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that sport, leisure, and physical activity can provide. 

The strategy identifies major investment priorities, including the future of Springs Leisure Centre, Concord Sports Centre, Goodwin Sports Centre, Hillsborough Leisure Centre, Ponds Forge, and Sheffield Hallam University City Athletics Stadium (Woodbourn Road). It also focuses on the need to protect and improve strategically important swimming pools, sports halls and affordable community fitness opportunities.

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Image credit: Sheffield City Council