Sheffield City Council’s plans to utilise Parkwood Springs, turning it into a Country Park, has been awarded a £19 million government grant.
The money bestowed will also be invested into making the area more accessible for people who have a range of disabilities, allowing them to enjoy Sheffield’s local wildlife.
They have aimed to promote the area and to encourage people to go outside and enjoy the wildlife, to improve their mental health.
The council have aimed to transform the area into a regional leisure destination that has upgraded walking routes, mountain bike trails and a visitor centre.
Access to the site will also be improved for everybody, with a particular focus on sustainability, as public transport will also be improved.
The Friends of Parkwood Springs, who hold community events in the area, said on their Facebook page: “This is fantastic news. It is exciting and there are lots of questions that we will be asking as the project proceeds.
“We’ve already been told this funding covers the whole of the area of the prospective Country Park, including Warsend Cemetery and the allotments.
One thing we will be very keen to emphasise is that access needs to be improved to all parts of the site, from Hillsborough and Shirecliffe, as well as Neepsend and Burngreave for all users, including those with disabilities.”
The destination will become more appealing to visitors, with the new visitor centre and bike hub, along with information boards about wildlife and routes.
Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee, said: “We recognised that Parkwood Springs needed a new lease of life and have continued to push for the funding to support our ambition and to deliver for the city.
“Sheffield is the Outdoor City and our plans will turn Parkwood Springs into a regional leisure destination that we can be proud of.”
The money given by the government will also be used to clear the area where the former ski village is.
Cllr Miskell said: “This project will be able to breathe new life into the landscape and return it to the people of Sheffield.
“Once all the work is complete Parkwood Springs will be a fantastic place for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy and I’m really looking forward to seeing it start to take shape.”