Member Article

Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre celebrates new lease of life

The future of Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre (SCLC) has been officially secured after being awarded a 25 year lease from Sheffield City Council.

Fondly regarded as a ‘treasured community asset’ the centre, now a registered charity, launched a campaign to save it from being closed and formed a community trust whose seven-strong board runs the complex.

SCLC has undergone a major refurbishment thanks to local residents who undertook over 2000 hours of voluntary work, local businesses who donated supplies - and some initial funding from Sheffield City Council.

The property team at hlw Keeble Hawson - one of the region’s biggest law firms with offices in Sheffield, Leeds and Doncaster - acted on behalf of the Trust to manage the transfer of the lease.

Fay Howard, a member of SCLC’s Board of Trustees, said: “The support we’ve received to date has been tremendous and taking on the lease, thanks to Sheffield City Council, will enable future generations to enjoy the centre’s wealth of facilities.

“The expertise of hlw Keeble Hawson’s property team has ensured a smooth and timely transition.”

Claire Mayfield-Tulip, a partner at hlw Keeble Hawson, commented: “The centre has undoubtedly struck a chord with hundreds of local residents and it has been satisfying to play a role in helping to fulfil its overriding goal to sustain a secure future.”

Ongoing initiatives to raise awareness and boost funds for the centre include sponsoring a brick, where individuals can donate £20 for a plaque on a dedicated open brick wall and companies can contribute £150 for corporate sponsorship. The aim is to raise £100k towards the purchase of new biomass boilers.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by hlw Keeble Hawson .