University to run Don Valley Stadium replacement

Sheffield Hallam University has been appointed to manage the city's Woodbourn Road stadium - the replacement site planned for Don Valley Stadium that is set to be demolished in September.

The Woodbourn Road site was closed in 2011 but Sheffield City Council plans to redevelop it for it to become the new home for athletics in the city.

The council is currently refurbishing the stadium with a grant from Sport England and plans to complete the works in time for a transfer of city athletics to Woodbourn Road when Don Valley Stadium closes at the end of September.

Councillor Isobel Bowler, cabinet Member for culture, sport and leisure, said: "We never wanted to close Don Valley Stadium, but we said from the start that we were determined to find a positive outcome for athletics and to work with the clubs to make it happen.

"The partnership provides a secure home for athletics in the city, the venue will be open to everyone and athletics will come first by not having to compete with other sports for access to facilities."

"The partnership outlined today will ensure that athletes have priority access to high quality facilities which will be used by local people, schools and clubs. What's more, the deal includes the Council making an investment into the development of athletics for the first time in many years."

Earlier this year, plans were announced for an ambitious new £40m sports hub on the Don Valley site, which would include a stadium as well as a National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine.

As part of the plans, The Woodbourn Road athletics site would eventually be redeveloped into a 60-80 metre indoor facility to provide all-weather training facilities.

To read more about the plans, click here.