The University of Sheffield has detailed new proposed plans to replace the Goodwin Sports Centre on Northumberland Road.
The current facilities have been described as “ageing” and “no longer fit for purpose” in a press release from the university.
A new sports centre is an opportunity to replenish a major sporting and community hub in the centre of the city, which will hope to attract students, staff and the wider community.
It would aim to bring together:
- swimming pool
- gym
- sports hall
- squash courts
- fitness studios
- flexible consultation rooms
- café
In the summer of 2023, the University was forced to close the swimming pool indefinitely due to safety concerns.
The new centre would aim to address the loss of the swimming pool, and would be built on four existing five-a-side pitches. The full-size 3G football pitch will remain in place.
The current sports hall centre would remain open during construction, but would be replaced at a later date with further construction, although these plans are not fixed.
Northumberland Road is a key area of focus in the proposals due to the high footfall and traffic.
Visitors arriving by bus, cyclists, students travelling to lectures and sport centre users provide a consistent stream throughout the day, and the safety of those people is of high priority.
James Mills, a resident on Northumberland Road, was sent a letter from the university outlining the proposals, and said: “I am concerned that the new development will disturb the neighbourhood, the increased traffic and noise, as well as the increased traffic from people using the facilities, once they’re ready.
“That being said, I’m happy with the plans to change the entrance to the main road instead of off Northumberland Road.”
“I will be jealous of future students, however, since I won’t reap any benefits from the new development. I suppose there’s no point in getting in the way of the marching progress.”
The proposals form part of a pre-planning consultation to ensure the public is able to voice their opinion.
The University will then review and summarise feedback, refine the proposals and submit a full planning application to Sheffield City Council.
Members of the public can engage with the consultation online by clicking here.