Sheffield’s New Uriah Rennie Leisure Centre to Begin Construction in November 2026
Sheffield Springs Leisure Centre
Sheffield City Council has appointed Willmott Dixon to construct the £40 million Uriah Rennie Leisure Centre, set to replace the existing Springs Leisure Centre. The project is scheduled to commence in November 2026, with completion anticipated by September 2028.
The new facility will be built on adjacent land, allowing the current centre to remain operational during construction. Designed by Watson Batty, the centre will feature a six-lane, 25-metre main swimming pool, a teaching pool, a five-court sports hall, a spa suite, fitness studios, soft play areas, an accessible café, modern changing facilities, a four-rink indoor bowls hall, health rooms, community spaces, and additional parking.
The redevelopment is part of a £51 million overhaul of the Springs Leisure Centre. Willmott Dixon’s contract, valued at £40 million, was awarded through the SCAPE Construction Framework. The project will be executed in two phases: the first involves constructing the new centre and associated works, while the second phase includes demolishing the existing building and completing external works.
The centre will be named in honour of Uriah Rennie, Sheffield’s first Black Premier League referee, who passed away in June 2025. Rennie officiated over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008, breaking significant barriers in football and inspiring future generations. The naming decision received full support from his family and city leaders, with the site holding particular significance as it is located on the grounds of the school once attended by Rennie and his siblings.
Willmott Dixon is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for Sheffield communities through this project. The company plans to support local employment, apprenticeships, and work placements, focusing on young people and individuals facing barriers to employment. Additionally, Willmott Dixon will collaborate with Sheffield schools, colleges, and universities, as well as local voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations, to support community initiatives and local priorities.
Chris Yates, Yorkshire Director for Willmott Dixon, expressed enthusiasm for the project: “We’re delighted to be working with Sheffield City Council to bring the new Uriah Rennie Leisure Centre to life. This landmark facility will provide first-class health, wellbeing and leisure opportunities for local people, serving the community for many years to come.”
Cllr Brian Holmshaw, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council, highlighted the centre’s significance: “The new Uriah Rennie Leisure Centre is a major part of that ambition. This investment will give communities a fantastic modern facility offering everything from swimming and fitness to indoor bowls, soft play and community space.”
Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, emphasised the project’s community impact: “At SCAPE, we are committed to delivering projects that put people and communities at the heart. From creating employment and skills development opportunities during the construction stage, to providing a place for local people to enjoy affordable sport and leisure facilities, this project will deliver lasting benefits for the local area.”
Cllr Marieanne Elliot, Deputy Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee, added: “It is also fitting that the centre will carry the name of Uriah Rennie, celebrating someone who broke down barriers in sport and made such an important contribution to Sheffield and our communities.”
Willmott Dixon’s extensive experience in delivering leisure facilities includes recent projects such as the £15 million Eston Pool and the £33.9 million Leighton Linslade Leisure Centre in Bedfordshire. The company is currently working on the Bransbury Park Leisure Centre in Portsmouth and the Cascades Leisure Centre in Gravesham.
The Uriah Rennie Leisure Centre is expected to become a central hub for health, fitness, and community activities in Sheffield, reflecting the city’s commitment to providing modern, accessible facilities for its residents.
