Plans for a new multi-activity hub at Hillsborough Park has stirred up a storm of controversy, with residents divided over a proposed development by the city council.

The project, set to include new tennis courts, a café, and mini-golf, aims to enhance community engagement and promote physical and social activity in the area. However, not everyone is on board with the plans.

Earlier this year, more than 2,000 people signed a petition opposing the development, arguing that green spaces should remain “open and free” for everyone to enjoy.

Councillor Richard Williams, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “We are dedicated to ensuring that everyone in Sheffield has equal opportunities when it comes to health, sport and wellbeing. To do this, we need to make sure that everyone has access to quality facilities and services.”

However, residents argue that the hub’s implementation could disproportionately impact those already facing economic hardships.

Leah Byatt from Save our Parks said at a meeting of Sheffield City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee on 2 April: “Community groups, such as my own, will have to raise their service fees to cover the costs to access an area they previously used for free.

“Women and girls felt that fences and walls around the park made them feel less unsafe due to lack of escape and visibility. Also, Environmental factors such as bird habitats being destroyed by the removal of more hedging.”

She said: “Precondition 3 which states the hub is not meant to be used for purposes other than outdoor sports and play is being violated by the intention to use a smaller MUGA and tennis courts as a tramline access gate.”

Residents believe that this is commercialisation of a public park, with little regard for those people in Hillsborough community who currently use the multi-use games area for free.