Leisure
We build leisure and culture centres for public and private sector clients
Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Sheffield City Council to build the £40m Uriah Rennie Leisure Centre, which will replace the city’s Springs Leisure Centre and be named after the first Black referee in Premier League history.
The new leisure centre will offer a wide range of facilities designed to meet the needs of the whole community, including gyms, a six-lane, 25-metre main swimming pool and teaching pool, a five-court sports hall, a spa suite and fitness studios. It will also feature soft play facilities, an accessible café, modern changing facilities, a four-rink indoor bowls hall, health rooms, community space and additional parking.
The leisure centre is undergoing a £51m overhaul, with Willmott Dixon awarded a contract to deliver works totalling £40m. Procured via the SCAPE Construction Framework, the development will be delivered in two phases. The first phase will see the new leisure centre constructed on a two-acre site next to the existing facility, alongside associated landscaping and access works. Once the new centre is complete, the second phase will involve demolishing the existing leisure centre and completing the remaining external works.
Designed by Watson Batty to be modern, flexible and welcoming, the new centre will provide facilities for people of all ages and allow the centre to offer a broad range of activities.
The new facility will replace the existing Springs Leisure Centre and be named the Uriah Rennie Leisure Centre in recognition of one of Sheffield’s most respected sporting figures and community champions. Uriah Rennie, who passed away in June 2025, was recognised both locally and nationally. He became the first Black referee in Premier League history, breaking significant barriers in football and going on to become an influential figure in the wider community, with an impact that extended well beyond the pitch.
Willmott Dixon will place local people at the heart of this project, using construction of the new leisure centre to create meaningful opportunities for Sheffield communities, ensuring the project delivers a positive and lasting impact. A key focus will be supporting people into employment and creating accessible pathways into the construction industry through creating local employment opportunities alongside apprenticeships and work placements with a particular focus on young people and individuals who may face barriers to accessing employment.
The project will also focus on inspiring the next generation by working with Sheffield schools, colleges and universities and Willmott Dixon and their supply chain partners will work with local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to support community initiatives, volunteering and wider local priorities.
Willmott Dixon will commence works next month with the programme due to run until September 2028.
Chris Yates, Yorkshire Director for Willmott Dixon:
“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.
"Drawing on our extensive experience in the leisure sector, we will deliver a high-quality, sustainable facility while creating lasting social value through local employment, training and community engagement opportunities. Our aim is to leave a legacy that extends far beyond the physical building.”
Cllr Brian Holmshaw, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council:
“We have ambitious plans for leisure in Sheffield. We want people across the city to have access to high-quality, welcoming and accessible facilities that make it easier to be active, support healthier lives and provide something for people of all ages.
“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. It is great to have Willmott Dixon on board to help us bring those plans to life and deliver a centre that will serve the community for many years to come."
Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE:
“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.
“Through the SCAPE Construction Framework, we’ll work closely with Willmott Dixon and Sheffield City Council to maximise social value, accelerate delivery, provide strategic guidance and ensure the project delivers value for money.”
Cllr Marieanne Elliot, Deputy Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee:
“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.”
Springs Leisure Centre adds to Willmott Dixon’s track record of delivering leisure facilities with the company recently handing over the £15m Eston Pool and the £33.9m Leighton Linslade Leisure Centre in Bedfordshire. The contractor is currently on-site delivering Bransbury Park Leisure Centre in Portsmouth and Cascades Leisure Centre in Gravesham.