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Issued:31/07/13
Sheffield City Council and Sheffield Hallam University are working together to create a lasting legacy for athletics in the city.
The two organisations are developing a long term partnership, where the University will take on the future management and maintenance of Woodbourn Road athletics stadium under a long lease from the Council. Sheffield City Council will also create an athletics development fund to support the sport in future years.
The proposed plan, which will guarantee priority use of Woodburn for athletics, is being developed in consultation with local athletics clubs and community groups. It will guarantee community and club access at the site, as a result of Sheffield Hallam University's commitment to the long-term management and maintenance of the venue. In addition, the Council will back the plan with an athletics development fund to nurture and support new athletes coming into the sport as well as providing a boost for club athletics in the city.
The proposal has already received the backing of the city’s main athletics clubs – City of Sheffield and Hallamshire Harriers – as well as the full support of Sport England and England Athletics.
The council is currently refurbishing the stadium with a grant from Sport England and this will be completed in time for a transfer of city athletics to first class facilities at Woodbourn Road when Don Valley Stadium closes at the end of September.
Sheffield Hallam has a strong reputation for the academic quality of its sport and physical activity teaching and research. Participation in sport is also a major feature of student life at the University. This new development is the latest in a portfolio of investments in sport facilities which includes the sports ground at Bawtry Road, a sport campus at EIS Sheffield and the installation of the Olympic hockey pitch at Abbeydale Sports Club.
Students will benefit from the sporting facilities at Woodbourn, and it will provide excellent employability and volunteering opportunities for students.
Mark Swales, director of estates and facilities at Sheffield Hallam, said: "These plans come just days after the one-year anniversary of London 2012, and we believe they will secure the city’s Olympic legacy for generations of athletes to come.
“It also emphasises the importance the University places on the key relationships we have across the city, which will not only benefit elite athletes in the city, but will also make sport and physical activity accessible to the widest possible community across the Sheffield city region.
“The site will enable us to offer our students opportunities to gain hands on experience to complement their academic learning. This includes sport students, but there may also be valuable experience to be gained in areas such as physiotherapy, coaching, events, hospitality and business.
“We will be working closely with the council, City of Sheffield Athletics Club and other key stakeholders in the city to continue and build on the excellent athletics provision we have in Sheffield.”
Cllr Isobel Bowler, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure said ‘The partnership with Sheffield Hallam presents a superb opportunity to guarantee a lasting legacy for athletics in the city. The Council never wanted to close Don Valley Stadium, but we said from the start that we were determined to find a positive outcome for athletics and to work with the clubs to make it happen. The partnership provides a secure home for athletics in the city, the venue will be open to everyone and athletics will come first by not having to compete with other sports for access to facilities.
“The partnership outlined today will ensure that athletes have priority access to high quality facilities which will be used by local people, schools and clubs. What’s more, the deal includes the Council making an investment into the development of athletics for the first time in many years. This could not have happened without the on-going support and advice from the City of Sheffield AC chairman Mike Corden and his fellow committee members, the support of Hallamshire Harriers and of course my thanks to Sheffield Hallam University for working with us and the clubs on a securing a successful outcome for athletics.”
Mike Corden, chair of City of Sheffield AC said: “City of Sheffield Athletics Club's joint plan with Sheffield City Council to provide facilities for the community, and all levels of athletes, has now been secured with Sheffield Hallam University's commitment to manage and operate Woodbourn Road athletics stadium.
“Sheffield Hallam has outlined immediate and strategic goals that overlay our plans to ensure athletics training is stabilised, and then improved, at this difficult time for track and field enthusiasts.
“With Sport England, England Athletics, Hallamshire Harriers, Sheffield City Council and City of Sheffield Athletics Club all supporting Sheffield Hallam’s proposal, the city should be well served at the refurbished and dedicated athletics arena, Woodbourn Road."
Charles Johnston Property Director at Sport England said: “We’re pleased that Sheffield Hallam University and Sheffield City Council are working together to guarantee the future of Woodbourn Road Athletics Stadium and we’re delighted to be investing £150,000 of National Lottery funding to make sure there are first class sporting facilities available at the stadium for the people of Sheffield.”
The details of the partnership deal will be finalised prior to the re-opening of Woodbourn in early October.
For press information: contact Joe Field in the Sheffield Hallam University press office on 0114 225 2074 or email j.field@shu.ac.uk
