Major development for Sheffield's multi-million pound Olympic Legacy Park

Major proposals for a 26 acre, multi-million pound London 2012 Olympic legacy project in Sheffield have been submitted today (Monday 8 June).

Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Sheffield City Council have all teamed together for the Olympic Legacy Park, which has already received support from Lord Sebastian Coe and Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams.

The planning application for the Olympic Legacy Park, located in the East End of Sheffield, features the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, which will be run by Sheffield Hallam University pioneering innovative technologies for global healthcare companies including Toshiba to help people move more.

In addition, multiple sports and exercise facilities are are also part of the masterplan, with an aim of providing the members of public an option to becoming fit and healthy alongside elite athletes and professional sports men and women.

The Olympic Legacy Park will eventually include multi-purpose 3,000 seat indoor community sports and events arena, a community artificial pitch and cycle ways.

Further plans also consist of a new academy school and community hub on site - sponsored by Oasis Community Learning - will provide 1,200 places for youngsters aged two to 16.

Rt Hon Richard Caborn, the project lead, said: “This will be a hugely exciting and innovative project bringing together world-class health, education and sport facilities in a unique and cutting-edge environment.

“The Olympic Legacy Park is for everyone, young and old, sports people and athletes aiming for gold medals. It’s about providing the set-up to help people develop healthy lifestyles and avoid health issues through exercise, wellness and prevention.

“It will be part of an internationally recognised Innovation District for health and wellbeing research and learning that will see Sheffield become a model of best practice not just for cities in the UK but across the globe.”

Sir Andrew Cash, chief executive for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, added: “This is another fantastic milestone in the development of the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, which is set to change the shape of future health for people living in Sheffield and beyond, by bringing together world-class partnerships and innovations to help people move more.”

Professor Steve Haake, Sheffield Hallam University director of the advanced wellbeing research centre (AWRC), also commented: “This latest news represents another major step forward for this ground breaking development, which will have Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre at its heart. We are proud to support the Olympic Legacy Park and we are looking forward to seeing our vision for the most advanced research and development centre for physical activity in the world come to fruition.”