Shop Sign Makers Sheffield Reveal New Leisure Hub Plans for Ski Village
As professional shop sign makers in Sheffield, Image Sign Studio were interested to see what the fate of the former ski village would be after a deliberate fire reduced the site to ashes in April 2012. We are pleased to hear that new plans are being drawn up to transform the ski village and surrounding area into a major leisure attraction.
According to local newspaper The Sheffield Star, Sheffield Council is working on a plan to turn the site into a leisure hub. At 150 hectares in total, the land includes Parkwood Springs from Rutland Road in the south to Herries Road in the north. The scheme is set to build on existing facilities at the site, including a 2km mountain bike track that was originally developed by Steve Peat, the World Mountain Bike champion.
Rebuilding Sheffield’s Reputation as the UK’s Outdoor Capital
The former ski village was once the largest artificial ski resort in Europe and attracted over 180,000 visitors a year to its slopes. Sheffield Ski Village then suffered due to significant competition from other slopes that offered real snow in Castleford and Milton Keynes. There had been several attempts to attract new visitors by updating the facilities, but developments planned were put on hold due to lack of funds, until a massive fire in 2012 left it in ruins.
Site Victim of Arson, Fly-Tipping and Vandalism
The area has suffered greatly since, and is now a prime target for more acts of arson, as well as fly tipping and vandalism. A Sheffield Council spokesman said: “The plan is still very much in the embryonic stages and we will be putting it out to consultation but we want to use the area as a site for leisure. We have a number of suggestions on the table but we are very much open to ideas. It has the potential to be a major attraction that adds to Sheffield’s unique image – offering both city life and outdoor recreation.”
Bars, Restaurants and Shop Signs Sheffield
According to recent news, the new facility could also include shops, restaurants and other food and drink outlets. Here at Image Sign Studio, we think that the site of the old ski village definitely needs a revamp. It’s a real shame that it has been left in a state of disrepair for such a long time and it would be great for the city to take on the opportunity for plenty of new facilities, shops and restaurants. As manufacturers and installers of shop signs Sheffield, we think it would bring visitors flocking to the city, which would be great for everyone!