The Council has decided to re-structure lease arrangements at Springs Academy to facilitate the construction of a new leisure centre.

URL: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5067

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: 9.1 The Committee considered a report which set out the required re-structuring of the current lease arrangements at the Springs Academy in order that the new leisure centre redevelopment may proceed.     9.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Finance and Performance Policy Committee:-   a)    Note the current position and endorse the surrender of the existing underlease and taking of a new underlease on the revised terms as set out in this report. b)    Authorise the Chief Property Officer and Head of Legal Services to finalise terms and complete the necessary documentation.     9.3 Reasons for Decision     9.3.1 Recommendations were made to enable the Council to surrender the existing underlease and enter into a new underlease with revised boundaries, which is required to facilitate the construction of the new Springs Leisure Centre on adjacent land. The revised leasing arrangements were necessary to align the property interests with the approved redevelopment proposals, secure the Council’s position, and allow the project to progress within the planned programme.     9.3.2 Approval was recommended because the proposal supports delivery of a modern, accessible and sustainable leisure facility for the local community while allowing existing leisure services to remain operational during construction. The new centre will help address identified health inequalities, respond to community feedback, improve the quality and accessibility of local sport and leisure provision, and ensure that the associated land and remediation arrangements are properly documented and implemented.     9.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     9.4.1 Deliver a new leisure centre on the site of the old leisure centre, with no need for lease boundary changes.   This option was rejected as it does not allow the additional space requirements to house a teaching pool and additional facilities that the community has asked for and that are needed to meet demand. It would also mean closure of the leisure centre for the 20-month construction period, which would impact customers and access to health and wellbeing services in an area of health inequalities.     9.4.2 Do not deliver a new leisure centre, with no need for boundary changes.   This option was rejected as Springs Leisure Centre was recommended for rebuild because it is an ageing facility nearing the end of its life. It is no longer fit for purpose, is unable to meet modern accessibility standards or climate net zero targets and has limited opportunity to expand membership and usage. Its size is a limiting factor, and it is not able to meet demand from the demographic population it serves due to capacity issues in areas such as the swimming pool, lack of studio space and a small fitness suite.     9.4.3 Deliver the new leisure centre with boundary changes with alternative facilities provided on the demolition site.   Alternative facilities were considered for the demolition site (Plan 4), which moves into the Academy’s lease following the proposed lease changes. These were discounted following a sport needs assessment, which identified the need for hardstanding court provision.      

Date of Decision: July 20, 2026