URL: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4993

Decision Maker: Executive Director, City Futures

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: Onboard Skatepark Sheffield Ltd is an award?winning social enterprise established in 2013 to improve young people’s lives through extreme sport. It operates a unique indoor skatepark and education hub that combines skateboarding, BMX and scootering with holistic programmes designed to build resilience, confidence and personal growth in an inclusive environment.   Due to a forthcoming lease termination, Onboard has applied to South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority for development funding to support its relocation to new premises in the City and maintain the provision of valued services.   SYMCA approved £815,000 for the Onboard proposal and requested that the Council act as the accountable body for the funding and enter into a Funding Agreement with Onboard on a repayable grant basis.  

Content: Onboard Skatepark Sheffield Ltd is an award?winning social enterprise established in 2013 to improve young people’s lives through extreme sport. It operates a unique indoor skatepark and education hub that combines skateboarding, BMX and scootering with holistic programmes designed to build resilience, confidence and personal growth in an inclusive environment.   Due to a forthcoming lease termination, Onboard has applied to South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority for development funding to support its relocation to new premises in the City and maintain the provision of valued services.   SYMCA approved £815,000 for the Onboard proposal and requested that the Council act as the accountable body for the funding and enter into a Funding Agreement with Onboard on a repayable grant basis.   a) That the Executive Director of City Futures enters into a Funding Agreement with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to receive £815,000 in respect to the Onboard Project.   b) That the Executive Director of City Futures enters into a repayable Grant Funding Agreement for £815,000 with Onboard Skatepark Sheffield Ltd to fund development works in respect to its proposed relocation to Royds Mill, Sheffield     Taking on an Accountable Body role for the £815,000 Gainshare funding ensures:   i)               The Funding is made available to Onboard Skatepark Sheffield Ltd to support their development work that enables their relocation to Royds Mill and the continuation of their services to support vulnerable young people within the City. ii)              That funding is made in the form of a repayable grant meaning that there is the potential for some grant being repaid to the Council over a 10-year period to reinvest into other economic and regeneration projects.   Alternative Option 1: Do not act as Accountable Body   The Council could choose not to act as Accountable Body for the funding and rely on SYMCA to enter a Grant Agreement with Onboard.   This option would enable Onboard to access funding, but SYMCA would not build in any provisions to recoup grant should Onboard exceed agreed financial performance measures. The opportunity to reinvest Gainshare into other Sheffield based projects would be lost.   Alternative Option 2: Provide funding as a Loan   The Council could provide the funding as a loan rather than a repayable grant.   The provision of a loan would require Onboard to repay the funding on a prescribed date irrespective of their financial performance and ability to pay. Given the nature of activity the Council does not consider a commercial arrangement is suitable to maximise the positive impacts for young people in the City.  

Date of Decision: April 20, 2026