Plans unveiled to turn former Sheffield ski village into outdoor adventure destination

A three week public consultation on the masterplan in Sheffield is now under way

Plans to transform the former Ski Village site in Sheffield into a large leisure and outdoor adventure destination have been revealed. A three-week public consultation is now under way, with developers keen to get input from residents and other stakeholders on the far-reaching plans.

The scheme is being driven forward by Skyline Enterprises, the New Zealand-based leader in adventure tourism and visitor experiences. A planning application for the development is expected to be submitted towards the end of the year and, subject to approval, it would be delivered in multiple phases.

The first phase of the development would see the creation of Skyline’s downhill karting, a scenic chairlift, an indoor educational attraction, cafe and terrace overlooking Sheffield, a large free-to-use outdoor plaza and family playground, and a customer car park.

Later phases are planned including a zipline attraction and a surf wave experience. Meanwhile, longer-term ambitions include reintroducing dry ski slopes to Parkwood Springs.

Existing walking and mountain bike trails would be retained as part of the masterplan, ensuring enhanced public access remains throughout the site.

A public consultation on the proposals runs until Sunday, September 20, giving residents, businesses and local stakeholders the chance to review the proposals and share feedback.

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Two drop-in events have also been organised, where people can meet members of the Skyline project team and discuss the proposals, next Wednesday and Thursday.

Geoff McDonald, chief executive officer of Skyline Enterprises, said: “We’re excited to share our latest proposals with the city and want to hear from local people, businesses and community groups about our plans and understand what matters most to them.

“We see Sheffield as a perfect partner and believe the Parkwood Springs project has the potential to become one of the UK’s most distinctive outdoor leisure destinations, helping to further enhance Sheffield’s visitor offer, support the local economy and create new jobs.”

The proposals come at a time of wider investment by Sheffield City Council in the area, including a £19m Government Levelling Up Fund programme that will deliver a new access road, junction improvements and wider infrastructure upgrades.

Skyline has appointed a number of businesses as part of their plans, including leisure development specialists Omisa Ltd as project management partners, Willis Hazell Engineers, Patersons (engineering) and Griffith Evans (MEP). Other Sheffield-based firms will also play key roles, including architects Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson and Ares, environmental specialists Weddles, planning consultancy Urbana and communications firm Counter Context.