Council backing for final stage of landmark scheme

The planned final stage in the development of Sheffield’s Olympic Legacy Park has been endorsed by the city council’s cabinet.Working closely with the Richard Caborn, the council has already spearheaded a new academy, UTC, artificial 3G floodlit pitch and community park, with Sheffield Eagles now confirmed to be returning to the city after four years.It has also helped secure a new £14m Advanced Wellness Research Centre for Sheffield Hallam University.Now, the council’s partners on the project, Legacy Park Ltd, will continue to develop a vision for the park.They are in discussions with Sheffield Hallam over a key role in developing the site including plans for a Health Innovation Campus (HIC). This will be a collaborative project bringing together in partnership the educational, recreational and research organisations with local residents, community organisations and city council to work together to apply research findings and technology innovations to improve health.The endorsement will also involve negotiations continue for a sports stadium to be built around the new artificial pitch which will provide an outdoor sports facility for the UTC, Oasis Academy, Sheffield Eagles, Sheffield United Women’s Football and youth teams to play at the OLP, alongside community use.Negotiations are also at an advanced stage for an indoor sports arena which could provide a permanent venue for the Sheffield Sharks professional basketball team, pupils at the Don Valley Academy and community groups, which would be self-funded in construction costs and on-going running costs.