Council Gives Update on Plans to Demolish Hillsborough Leisure Centre
Sheffield City Council has issued a long-awaited update regarding the future of the Hillsborough Leisure Centre, amid growing speculation and public concern over its potential demolition. The popular community hub, which has served residents in the north-west of the city for decades, is now at the centre of a major redevelopment conversation.
The council confirmed that while plans to demolish the current building are being considered, no final decision has been made. Instead, discussions remain at an exploratory stage, with feasibility studies being conducted to assess the viability of a full rebuild versus refurbishment.
A spokesperson for Sheffield City Council said:
“We are currently reviewing the long-term future of Hillsborough Leisure Centre as part of our wider strategy to modernise leisure facilities across the city. This includes looking at the condition of the building, the cost of upgrades, and how we can best meet the needs of the community going forward.”*
Originally opened in 1990, the Hillsborough Leisure Centre has been a cornerstone of local life, offering swimming, gym facilities, fitness classes, and sports courts. However, the building is now showing its age, with maintenance costs increasing and energy efficiency standards falling behind modern expectations.
Residents and regular users of the centre have expressed concern over the possibility of demolition, fearing a loss of access to essential recreational services. A local campaign group, “Save Hillsborough Leisure”, was recently formed and has gathered over 5,000 signatures on a petition opposing any move to knock the building down without a clear and timely replacement plan.
“We understand that buildings like this need investment, but demolishing it outright without a guarantee of a new facility in the same area would be devastating,” said campaign leader Emma Taylor. “Families, schools, and elderly groups all rely on this centre—not to mention the staff whose jobs are at risk.”
In response to such concerns, the council stated that community engagement will be a central part of any future plans. A series of consultation events are expected to be held over the summer, inviting public feedback on the proposed options. The council also reiterated that should demolition go ahead, any replacement facility would aim to be state-of-the-art and better equipped to serve the needs of a growing population.
The redevelopment of Hillsborough Leisure Centre forms part of the council’s broader £100 million investment into sports and leisure infrastructure across Sheffield. This includes major upgrades to other facilities like Ponds Forge and Graves Health & Sports Centre.
Despite the uncertainty, some residents have welcomed the possibility of a fresh start for Hillsborough. Local fitness instructor Darren Hughes said, “While it’s a shame to see an old favourite possibly go, if we can get a modern facility that offers more and is greener, that’s something to be excited about.”
For now, the Hillsborough Leisure Centre remains open, with all services running as usual. Sheffield City Council has promised to keep the public informed as more concrete proposals take shape.
Read more on;https://www.sportupdates.co.uk
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