New £7 million leisure centre to open in High Green in June

The £7million development, in High Green, will incorporate a six lane 25-metre swimming pool, learner pool, major fitness suite plus specialist health and research facilities as part of the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine.

Construction is nearing the final stages on the facility, which will open on June 1.

Coun Sioned-Mair Richards, cabinet member for neighbourhoods said it was ‘really exciting’ time for Sheffield.

She said: “Through our excellent partnerships with the NCSEM, Sport England, Ecclesfield Parish Council and Places for People we can bring everything under one roof which means huge benefits for the health and wellbeing of people in the area.

“I would urge people to find out what’s on offer at this top-class venue, where you can make that change to a happier and healthier you.

“And by investing in developments like this we are also investing in our sports men and women of the future and providing opportunities to build on Sheffield’s proud sporting heritage.”

The appointed operator, Places for People, opened their membership books in January and have said it is the most successful pre-opening membership they have seen.

Alex Greaves, of Places for People, said: “It’s very exciting to see good progress being made on the construction.

“This exciting new facility will provide fantastic opportunities for members of the local community to engage in a number of different sporting and fitness activities.”

Sport England is investing £1m of National Lottery funding from its Iconic Facilities Fund towards the building of the new centre.

Coun Richards added her thanks to the Chapeltown Pool Trust, a dedicated group of volunteer trustees and paid staff who have successfully run Chapeltown Pool since the 1990s.

Staff from Chapeltown pool, which closes on May 24, will transfer to the new Thorncliffe centre when it opens a week later.

The development is funded by Sheffield City Council, Sport England, NCSEM and Ecclesfield Parish Council.

Places for People will operate the centre under a 10 year contract to the City Council, but it will not require on-going subsidy from the ratepayer.

Sheffield City Council will work jointly with Places for People to ensure the venue attracts high levels of usage and operates on an affordable and accessible basis for local people.

Various membership packages are available and Places for People are offering new members one month free with a three month membership, or three months free with a 12 month membership.

An information point is open seven days a week at Ecclesfield Parish Council.

Alternatively people can visit www.thorncliffeleisurecentre.org or call 0845 8800606.