Gillespies deliver a masterplan and feasibility study to transform Parkwood Springs in Sheffield, into a major outdoor activity hub.

Gillespies was commissioned by Colliers and Sheffield City Council to review the site of the old Sheffield Ski Hill, a derelict dry ski slope which had been deemed an eyesore on the hillside above the City.

Following this appointment, Gillespies produced a masterplan and feasibility study to look at a range of development options for the former ski village, with a focus on steep slopes and adventure sport, taking into consideration the proximity of the site to the city centre and its proximity to the upcoming urban regeneration area of Kelham Island.

Tim Buykx, Associate at Gillespies, says:

“Sheffield is a city renowned for its active lifestyle and outdoor adventure sports – climbing, running, biking and hiking. The Parkwood Springs development provides a great opportunity to capture people’s enthusiasm for adventure sports and deliver a downhill adrenaline sports destination close to the city centre. 

The design concept envisions a range of downhill sports forming the heart of a recreation training and competition facility, which will provide the north of England with an unrivalled city-based adventure sports park.”

The current proposals offer new mountain bike trails and a dual slalom, which have the ability to attract around 10,000 visits a year, but there is potential for much more.

Gillespies assisted Colliers and Sheffield City Council in forming an approach to appeal to investors to come forward with opportunities and development proposals to transform the site at Parkwood Springs into a nationally-significant attraction, cementing Sheffield’s reputation as the UK’s leading destination for people seeking outdoor adventure, city culture and rural escapes.

This project preceded further work for Sheffield Council, where Gillespies delivered a series of Outdoor City Recreation Sites project studies. This wider work looked at a host of other sites around the City, examining their potential to contribute to the role of Sheffield as the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the UK. 

The Council is now seeking expressions of interest by 12noon on Friday 7 April 2017, and will then invite a preferred bidder to purchase a long lease with the intention of developing, financing and operating Parkwood. 

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