Spade in the ground as construction begins at new Sheffield stadium

Construction has begun on a stadium which will home two major Sheffield sporting clubs.

The 3,900 capacity Community Stadium at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park will offer a permanent home to Sheffield United Women Football Club and Sheffield Eagles Rugby League Football Club once complete.

Sheffield City Region dignitaries – including former sports minister and Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park project lead, Richard Caborn – attended the official launch of construction for the project, worth £5m.

Developed by Scarborough International Properties Ltd, and designed by locally based Whittam Cox Architects and Arup Sheffield, the site will be built on the west side of the 3G pitch which is used by UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, Oasis Academy Don Valley and the local community.

Caborn said: “This latest development is another major step forward for Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and a further boost for sport in our city. “This is a tangible landmark in realising our vision of delivering a legacy on health and wellbeing through sport.”

Sheffield Eagles Chairman, Chris Noble MBE, said: “This is a major step forward for Sheffield Eagles and rugby league in the city. It will provide the club with stability at a secure and stable home for many years to come at a fantastic venue for both players and spectators alike.

“We very much look forward to playing out of the stadium and seeing it progress over the coming weeks and months.”

Building plans include more than 1,200 seats in the west stand with a further standing capacity of over 2,600 along a north and east terrace, and an additional 78 places for wheelchair users and their carers. GMI Construction has been appointed as the building contractor.