Parkwood Springs leisure development progresses
Skyline Enterprises, the New Zealand-based adventure tourism operator, is finalising plans to redevelop the former ski village site in Sheffield, with a planning application expected later this year.
The company has agreed a strategic framework with Sheffield City Council that sets out a shared commitment to bring the long-derelict site, around a mile north of the city centre, back into use as a major leisure destination.
The scheme is proposed to be delivered in phases, with the first stage expected to include Skyline’s gravity-powered Luge attraction, a family playground, food and beverage facilities, and an indoor attraction.
Future phases could include a zipline, surf wave experience and, subject to further development, new dry ski slopes.
Skyline has appointed Omisa as project manager for the scheme. The wider consultant team includes Willis Hazell Engineers, Patersons, and Griffith Evans, alongside several Sheffield-based firms: Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson as architect, Ares as landscape architect, Weddles as environmental consultant, Urbana as planning consultant and Counter Context as communications adviser.
A public consultation is due to launch in September ahead of the submission of a planning application later this year.
The development forms part of wider regeneration plans for the area and is intended to strengthen connections between Parkwood Springs, Neepsend, and Kelham Island.
It also coincides with infrastructure improvements being delivered by Sheffield City Council through a £19m Government Levelling Up Fund grant. The funding is supporting a new access road, junction improvements, and site works designed to accommodate future visitor numbers and improve traffic flow.
Sheffield Ski Village operated from 1988 until it was destroyed by a fire in 2012, forcing its closure.
The site was previously used to train the British freestyle skiing Olympic team, however has become a derelict plot.
Geoff McDonald, chief executive of Skyline Enterprises, said: “Sheffield is seen as the ideal city for our next UK development. Our adventure and experience brand aligns perfectly with Sheffield’s renowned ‘Outdoor City’ ethos.
“We know that Parkwood Springs has been a challenging site to bring forward over the years, but with strong support from Sheffield City Council and an experienced project team on board, the pieces are now in place to deliver something truly special for the city.
“The scheme would enhance Sheffield’s visitor appeal, stimulate the local economy and create permanent jobs.”
Cllr Fran Belbin, leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Our plans to transform Parkwood Springs into a vibrant and thriving area of the city are continuing to move forward and Skyline’s plans for the old Ski Village site remain a focal point of the work we are doing.
“The site has had many false starts over the years, but I am now delighted to see the latest proposed details for their facility.
“Alongside the wider investment into Parkwood Springs, this project has the potential to create jobs, boost tourism and support economic growth, while providing a new attraction for residents and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.
“We will continue to work closely together to create something unique for both the local area and the city as a whole. We also look forward to engaging with residents and stakeholders as the plans are developed further and public consultation gets underway.”
Skyline are on-site in Swansea with their new development there, it’s progressing well and the Sheffield one sounds like it’s going to be pretty similar, although the Swansea bay ome will have a cable car ride up to the hillside attraction with luge runs, adventure playgrounds, forest trails, bike runs, gravity rides….much the same, they sound like they’re expanding into the UK really rapidly…
By Cristoforo