The Council has decided to approve the construction of a new Concord Sports Centre to meet community needs and improve sport and leisure provision.

URL: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5068

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: 10.1 The Committee considered a report which provided a detailed overview of the Concord Sports Centre new build proposal to support the proposed additions and variations to the Capital Programme.     10.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Finance and Performance Policy Committee:-   a)    Note the current position and approve the proposed additions and variations to the Capital Programme listed in Appendix 1.     10.3 Reasons for Decision     10.3.1 The recommendation was made to enable the Concord Sports Centre investment to progress through the Council’s capital approvals process and move into the next stage of design, procurement and delivery. Concord Sports Centre has been identified through the Leisure and Entertainment Facilities Review and subsequent feasibility work as an ageing facility requiring significant investment. Approval of the proposed budget will support delivery of a modern, accessible and sustainable replacement facility that better meets community need, improves the quality of sport and leisure provision, and contributes to the Council’s health, wellbeing, equality and climate objectives.     10.3.2 The preferred option has been developed following feasibility work, option appraisal and public and stakeholder engagement. It is recommended because it provides the best opportunity to maintain leisure provision during construction, deliver the required facility mix, improve integration with Concord Park and wider outdoor activity provision, and support a more financially and environmentally sustainable leisure estate. The proposal also aligns with the Council Plan, Sheffield’s Sport and Leisure Strategy, the emerging Built Sport and Leisure Strategy, and the wider objectives of the Leisure Investment Programme.     10.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     10.4.1 Alternative Option 1: Do nothing Under this option, no capital investment would be made in Concord Sports Centre.   This option was rejected because the existing facility is deteriorating and is no longer considered fit for purpose. Taking no action would leave the Council with ongoing maintenance pressures, a poorer quality facility for public use, reduced ability to support local health and wellbeing outcomes, and increased reputational risk. It would also fail to deliver the previously approved priorities from the Leisure and Entertainment Facilities Review and would not support the recommendations of Sheffield’s Built Sporting Facilities Strategy.     10.4.2 Alternative Option 2: Refurbishment of the existing leisure centre   This option would involve refurbishing the existing Concord Sports Centre rather than replacing it with a new build facility.   This option was rejected because the existing building envelope is in poor condition and refurbishment would not provide the same long-term benefit as a new build facility. It would retain significant constraints associated with the age, layout and condition of the current building, would not provide the same opportunity to increase accessibility, sustainability and service quality, and would not deliver the same level of integration with Concord Park and wider site improvements. The option would also carry ongoing maintenance and operational risks.     10.4.3 Alternative Option 3: Demolition of the existing facility and new build on the current Concord Sports Centre location This option would involve demolishing the existing centre and constructing a new facility on the current building footprint.   This option was rejected because it would require the existing leisure centre to close during construction, resulting in a loss of access to services and facilities for the local community and existing users for a significant period (2 years +) in an area of high health inequalities. It would also reduce the ability to deliver the proposed facility mix and wider benefits. The option would have greater service disruption and income/revenue implications during the construction period.       Preferred Option: Demolition of the existing facility and new build within the red line boundary adjacent to the existing leisure centre.   The preferred option is to construct the new facility adjacent to the existing leisure centre before demolishing the current building and completing the external pitches and landscaping.   This option is preferred because it enables the existing centre to remain operational during construction, provides a larger site area to deliver an improved facility offer, allows stronger integration with Concord Park and wider outdoor activity provision, and supports the delivery of a more sustainable building designed to BREEAM Excellent standards. It also provides the best opportunity to deliver the intended community, health, accessibility and sustainability benefits.      

Date of Decision: July 20, 2026