Hillsborough Leisure Centre set for an £11 million transformation

Good news for swimmers and gym-goers in the north of Sheffield: Hillsborough Leisure Centre is set for an £11 million transformation.

Sheffield City Council announced the plans on 13 October 2026. The proposed upgrades include refurbished changing areas, investment in the pool hall, new and upgraded studios, a new health suite, a larger refurbished fitness gym and improved access controls. Outside, there would be parking changes, better cycle storage and an exterior refresh.

The work would also make the building greener, with LED lighting, more efficient plant and ventilation, lighting sensors and upgrades to the building management system. Solar panels are being considered through a separate feasibility review.

Best of all, the work would arrive sooner than expected. The improvements were originally planned for 2030 to 2032, but the proposal is to start in April 2027, carried out in phases so that parts of the centre stay open throughout. Following feasibility work, refurbishment was judged the more cost-effective option.

Councillor Brian Holmshaw, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee, said: "Hillsborough Leisure Centre plays an important role in the lives of local people." He added: "This investment would allow us to significantly improve the centre sooner than originally planned."

The centre is operated by Everyone Active, which took over Hillsborough Leisure Centre, Ponds Forge and the English Institute of Sport Sheffield in January 2025. The project would be delivered through its existing leisure contract with the council, subject to approvals.

The scheme is part of the council's Leisure Investment Programme, following plans for Uriah Rennie Leisure Centre and Concord Sports Centre. It also reflects the city's new Built Sport and Leisure Facilities Strategy for 2025 to 2039, published in July 2026, which named Hillsborough Leisure Centre among its major investment priorities. "By investing in the right facilities in the right places, we can help more people improve their health and wellbeing," said Cllr Holmshaw at the time.

Local people are being invited to have their say during a public consultation in October and November 2026, including a drop-in session at the centre on Monday 2 November from 9am to 12 noon.

Details of the consultation and the plans are on the Sheffield City Council website.