Sheffield City Council have renewed negotiations with Skyline Enterprises for the re-development of the former artificial ski complex in Parkwood Springs.

The former Parkwood Springs site was once one of Europe’s largest dry skiing centres, but was forced to close after an accidental fire caused heavy damage in 2012. 

Skyline Enterprises are a New Zealand based tourism company that specialises in gravity-based experiences for all ages and abilities, offering activities such as gondolas and luges.

Following the successful application from the council for government Levelling Up funding, worth £19.4m, negotiations for the site have resumed, eight years after initial interest was registered. The delays in previous negotiations were due to the council’s issues financing the cleanup of site.

Geoff McDonald, Skyline CEO, said: “We could build a phenomenal site here, it’s not just about the slopes, we have a huge site here and we want to incorporate work from artists, sculptors, and various amenities.”

Skyline Enterprises currently have eight sites across the world, with their newest branch opening in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2023.

They are also considering a re-development project in Swansea, where around 100 direct jobs would be available upon re-opening, as well as indirect jobs on construction contracts. Similar or greater job numbers are anticipated for Sheffield, pending masterplan completion.

Mr McDonald has visited Sheffield four times in the last few years, speaking with senior council members Tom Hunt and Oliver Coppard in order to pave a way forward. 

The project is still in the early ‘masterplan’ stages, with the consensus being that it will take another few years before they are able to break ground. 

Sam Goddard, General Manager for Business Development, said: “We want it revived for community use, we’ve realised how loved it was by everyone. We want longevity.”

Construction of the site itself is predicted to take 18 months, and is hoped to be ‘the most manageable part of the project.’ 

Both Mr McDonald and Mr Goddard have personal experience in skiing and snowboarding, but are looking to work with local experts to deliver the dry slopes aspect of the project. They also hope to incorporate South Yorkshire’s history into the building process.

Mr Goddard added: “It’s about what’ll be a good fit for Sheffield.

“Without a doubt we want to represent Sheffield, then once we’ve done that we can think about how to incorporate the rest of the county.”