Council to bring foward £11m leisure centre revamp

Work on an £11m upgrade of Hillsborough Leisure Centre could start three years earlier than planned, it has been announced.

Sheffield City Council had originally suggested work would begin in 2030 but is now hoping to start in April 2027.

Proposed improvements to the site, built in 1991 for the World Student Games, include refurbished changing facilities, investment to the pool hall and new and upgraded studio spaces.

The authority had initially looked into rebuilding the centre but, after a feasibility study, found refurbishment was "the more cost-effective approach".

A proposal to bring forward the funding to allow refurbishment to start earlier is set to be considered by the council's finance and performance policy committee on 19 October.

Brian Holmshaw, chair of the communities, parks and leisure policy committee 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."

Other planned improvements include a new health suite, an expanded and refurbished fitness gym, changes to parking, better cycle storage and refurbishment of the building's exterior.

The refurbishment forms part of Sheffield Council's wider Leisure Investment Programme, including the creation of the Uriah Rennie Leisure Centre and Concord Sports Centre.

A series of drop-in events where people can discuss the proposed changes will take place at Hillsborough Leisure Centre on the following dates:

• Tuesday 20 October 15:00 - 17:00

• Wednesday 21 October 09:00 - 12:00

• Monday 2 November 09:00 - 12:00

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