Hillsborough Park Community Hub: Opening Tennis Up in Sheffield

The vision

The project utilised a partnership approach, driven by Courtside working collaboratively with the LTA and Sheffield City Council to bring together investment, expertise and local insight, creating a strong foundation for both delivery and long-term success.

The project aimed to transform the dilapidated tennis footprint of tennis courts to create something much larger and impactful. Partners shared a vision of a sustainable, community-focused hub that could grow participation, support workforce development and generate revenue to secure the long-term future of parks tennis across the city.

The final facility mix includes floodlit tennis courts, covered padel courts, a multi-use games area, adventure golf, cycle pump track, an activity studio and a café. This diverse offer has broadened the appeal of the site, attracting new audiences and encouraging longer visits, while retaining tennis at its core.

Overcoming barriers

The journey to delivery was not without challenge. Despite strong initial community support, the project faced opposition around perceived commercialisation of park space, alongside planning and funding complexities. Through consistent stakeholder engagement, clear communication and a focus on community benefits, partners successfully built support and secured approval.

Investment and sustainability

Delivered through a £2.4 million investment from a range of funding partners, the hub demonstrates the importance of a balanced, commercially aware approach. A diverse facility mix, combined with accessible pricing, ensures the site can generate income while remaining inclusive to local residents.

Within its first nine months, Hillsborough Hub has become a focal point for local activity. Increased footfall, strong booking demand and positive feedback highlight the growing appetite for accessible tennis and multi-sport opportunities.

Programming that opens tennis up

A varied and inclusive programme of organised activity sits at the heart of the hub’s success. Tennis remains central, with initiatives such as Barclays Free Park Tennis providing an entry point for new players.

Alongside this, a growing padel offer and multi-sport activity programme are engaging a wide range of audiences, with over 60 sessions delivered in a single month.

Connecting with the community

Strong community engagement has been key to putting the facility at the heart of the community. Partnerships with over 30 schools have driven participation among young people, while the indoor activity studio and café provide social spaces that encourage repeat visits and make the hub part of everyday community life.

Key learnings for other venues

• Build a strong narrative around community impact, health and economic value.
• Engage councillors and community groups early and consistently.
• Be prepared to address concerns around change and maintain a clear vision.
• Design facilities with sustainability in mind from the outset.
• Invest time in on-site engagement with local users and partners.

The role of the LTA

The LTA played a key role throughout the project, supporting business planning, funding applications and facility design, while also helping to engage stakeholders and launch participation programmes. This support has been instrumental in turning an initial concept into a thriving community facility.

The Hillsborough Park Community Hub provides an aspirational model for the future of parks provision. By combining great facilities, strong programming and a community-first approach, it shows how tennis can sit at the heart of sustainable, multi-sport venues that truly open up opportunities for everyone.