More than £19m earmarked for Sheffield Parkwood Springs plans

Sheffield City Council’s ambitious new plans for a former derelict site has been awarded almost £20m from the third round of the government’s levelling up fund.

For more than 10 years, Parkwood Springs, a natural ‘wild’ space which is close to the city centre, has been left underutilised. As a result, Sheffield City Council have proposed new plans to create a country park for residents who live close by.

The news has been welcomed with open arms as previously, Sheffield have been rejected for funding. In total, the council will now receive £19,389,336.

Cllr Ben Miskell, chair of the transport, regeneration and climate committee said: ‘Sheffield is a city on the up and we’re looking forward to starting work on an exciting £19m transformative regeneration to create a country park at Parkwood springs.

‘These plans will open up access to the site, an obstacle that previously prevented developers from bringing forward plans for the redevelopment of the former Ski Village.

‘We recognised that Parkwood Springs needed a new lease of life and have continued to push for the funding to support our ambition and to deliver for the city. Sheffield is the outdoor city, and our plans will turn Parkwood Springs into a regional leisure destination that we can be proud of.’

The project will include improved access to Parkwood Springs – access to the site would be improved for all, with a particular focus on increasing active travel and public transport.

In addition, the area which was home to the former ski slope will be prepared to be turned into a regional leisure destination which will provide new and upgraded existing walking paths and mountain bike trails.

‘This project will be able to breathe new life into the landscape and return it to the people of Sheffield,’ said Cllr Miskell. ‘Once all the work is complete Parkwood Springs will be a fantastic place for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy and I’m really looking forward to seeing it start to take shape.’

Cllr Miskell added: ‘There is still work to be done before the first spade can be put into the ground, including road and infrastructure planning but once all those vital elements are complete, the people of Sheffield will be able to see the area come to life once again.’

Image: Benjamin Elliott

More on this topic:

An influx of regeneration plans have been proposed to Bristol City Council

Regeneration partner sought to unlock Belfast’s major project