Crucible's £45m revamp to keep snooker in Sheffield

Sheffield City Council is set to agree a new long-term contract with World Snooker Limited to ensure the city continues to host the sport for the next 15 years.

A report recommended proceeding with a new "staging agreement" with World Snooker, securing the world championships beyond 2027 when the current arrangements come to an end.

Plans to transform the Crucible Theatre will also take a significant step forward with the next phase of a landmark £45m project.

A study commissioned by the council concluded the Crucible capacity could be increased from its current 964 seats to around 1,500.

Earlier this year, the council, Sheffield Theatres and World Snooker announced an agreement in principle to keep the event in Sheffield until at least 2045, with the option to extend for an additional five years.

The council has now published a report setting out the next steps, including proposed contractual arrangements.

It would provide an initial 15-year term, with the option to extend for a further five years by mutual agreement, subject to the future redevelopment of the Crucible.

Sheffield City Council leader Fran Belbin said: "This sets out the formal arrangements needed to secure the Championship in Sheffield beyond 2027 and provide long-term certainty for the city, spectators, businesses and partners.

"The Championship has been part of Sheffield's story for almost 50 years. It brings visitors from around the world, supports local businesses and showcases our city to a global audience. We want future generations to continue enjoying those benefits."

The World Snooker Championship has been staged at the Crucible since 1977 and contributes around £6.5m annually to the local economy.

The council has also given an update on plans to renovate the Grade II listed theatre including improvements backstage.

Officers said they have a "credible route" to securing the £45m needed with contributions from public sector partners alongside private, philanthropic and strategic funding.

Tom Bird, chief executive of Sheffield Theatres, said: "It will allow for a more flexible auditorium while also increasing accessibility for our audiences, creatives, performers, and staff. It will also enable us to become significantly more environmentally sustainable.

"We continue to work closely with Sheffield City Council to ensure the Crucible is redeveloped in a way that is sympathetic to this much-loved building while also being innovative and future-facing."

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