A MASTERPLAN has been drawn up for the re-opening of the Sheffield ski slope area – although at this stage it is unclear whether this plan will include skiing and snowboarding.

Gillespies, a landscape architect firm, was commissioned to review the site of the former artificial ski slope which had been deemed an eyesore after five years of neglect and more than 50 arson attacks.

During its 24 years of operation prior to this, the site was one of the largest dry slopes in the world and is where a number of the UK’s top winter sports athletes trained, including freestyle skier James ‘Woodsy’ Woods whose recently won a gold at the X Games in Aspen.

FUTURE PLANS: An artist’s impression of how Sheffield could look

Tim Buykx, an associate at Gillespies, said “The design concept envisions a range of downhill sports forming the heart of a recreation training and competition facility, which will provide the north of England with an unrivalled city-based adventure sports park.”

The current proposals offer new mountain bike trails and a dual slalom, which have the ability to attract around 10,000 visits a year.

Gillespies assisted Colliers and Sheffield City Council in forming an approach to appeal to investors to come forward with opportunities and development proposals to transform the site at Parkwood Springs.

The Council issued a deadline of noon on Friday 7 April 2017, for interested parties to express their interest. They will then invite a preferred bidder to purchase a long lease with the intention of developing, financing and operating the site.

Categories: Club & Slope News