£16m health and sport development opens in Sheffield

A £16m sport, health and leisure development has opened in the south east of Sheffield.

Graves Sports and Health Centre incorporates a fitness suite and studios, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, two new swimming pools, gymnastics and trampolining halls, and houses specialist health and research facilities as part of the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM).

Councillor Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure at Sheffield City Council said: “Sheffield is renowned as a sporting city, our goal is to be the most active city in the UK by 2020 and facilities like this make that goal much more achievable.

“So, whether you enjoy an invigorating swim, a heart-pumping fitness class, a run on the treadmill, a round of tennis or even a few flips and tricks on the trampoline, I am confident that we have something here for all ages, abilities and interests, and encourage people to pop in to this top-class fitness venue to see for themselves.”

The redevelopment is home to eight indoor and six outdoor tennis courts plus the option of professional coaching sessions. The two brand new pools comprise a six lane 25 metre pool plus a dedicated teaching pool, there is also a 100+ station gymnasium and three workout studios.

Places for People, the appointed operator, has already signed up over 400 people on the special pre-opening membership offer.

Richard Cowley, area manager at Places for People Leisure, said: “We are really excited about the opening of the new Graves Sport and Health Centre.

“It offers first class leisure facilities and will provide fantastic opportunities for people in the local community to engage in various sporting and fitness activities, and will help to achieve our goal of creating active places and healthy people.

“I’d encourage those who are thinking about membership to get in touch, take advantage of our offers and be one of the first through the doors when we open on Thursday.”

The centre is also the third location in Sheffield where NCSEM facilities are available. NCSEM brings together clinical services, sport and exercise specialists and health professionals to make it easier for physical activity to become part of the treatment for a range of chronic health conditions.

Sport England is investing £2.5m of National Lottery funding from its Iconic Facilities Fund towards the redevelopment of the centre, and have worked closely with the project team to provide advice and support on the development of this project.

Charles Johnston, the director of Property at Sport England Charles, added: “We are delighted to offer £2.25 million of National Lottery funding to help people in Sheffield live more active lives. The centre’s groundbreaking decision to place fitness and expert health advice side by side, puts wellbeing at the heart of the community.

“Thanks to the variety of sports and activities on offer, Graves Sports and Health Centre will make being active more accessible, affordable and fun. I would especially encourage anyone who has been thinking about getting active to check out these new facilities and see what’s on offer.”

The development is funded by the City Council, Sport England and NCSEM. Places for People will operate the centre under a 10-year contract to the City Council, but it will not require on-going subsidy from the ratepayer.