Plans for Hillsborough Park activities hub begins

Objectors to the plans have previously said they amount to privatising a free park space

Plans for a controversial new games area in Hillsborough Park are moving ahead, the council said.

A payment of more than £350,000 has been made to private developers to create a "multi activity hub" in the Sheffield park despite opposition to the project.

Campaigners have argued the hub scheme is privatisation of park land and fear it will limit accessibility to the games area as some activities will have to be paid for.

Sheffield City Council documents said the concept will include sports and recreational facilities as well as a cafe, toilets and indoor event and activity spaces.

The hub will replace the current multi-use games area (MUGA) in the park, which is an open space used for informal ball games and kickabouts.

There were also concerns about the effect of the hub on the activities of Sheffield Cycling 4 All.

The group uses the current MUGA area as a base to run regular riding sessions for any adult who cannot ride a two-wheel bike due to a disability or a long-term health condition.

However, a report to the council’s finance and performance policy committee said: "The Multi Activity Hub concept will enable a wide range of activity and sports provision.”

The council's planning and highways committee previously said it was understood that the new MUGA would remain as a free-to-use facility, but would reduce in size.

Courtside CIC told the BBC last October that there would be special provision for disability cycling and those learning to ride bikes, skateboards or scooters.

The £363,100 will help to cover building costs, which have risen since an original £183,100 was agreed, so another £180,000 has been added, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The report added: “Courtside CIC will cover the repayments of the borrowing, which will be part of a loan agreement.”

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