Leisure centre renamed for 'trailblazer' referee

A redeveloped leisure centre will be renamed to honour "trailblazer" Uriah Rennie.

Springs Leisure Centre in Sheffield will become the Uriah Rennie Leisure Centre in tribute to the football referee, who died aged 65 in June 2024.

The site in Gleadless will be redeveloped as part of a £51m plan, with work scheduled to start later this year.

The honour was announced at a Town Hall ceremony where Rennie, who was born in Jamaica but moved to the city as a child, was also honoured with a Sheffield Legends star on the pavement outside.

Rennie became the first black referee to officiate in the Premier League when he was in charge of Derby County and Wimbledon in 1997.

Outside of football he worked as a magistrate and was appointed chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University a month before his death.

The council said the new leisure centre will have improved accessibility and community spaces, with integrated health services.

Facilities in the new building will include a six-lane swimming pool and teaching pool, gyms, sports hall, wellbeing spa, bowls hall and a café, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Councillor Kurtis Crossthorn, chair of the communities, parks, and leisure committee at Sheffield City Council, said: "Uriah was a trailblazer in football, a committed public servant, and a shining example of what it means to give back to your city.

"His influence reached far beyond the pitch; he inspired young people, championed fairness and opportunity, and worked tirelessly to strengthen communities across Sheffield.

He added: "As we redevelop this much‑loved local facility, it feels right that it should carry the name of someone whose values – accessibility, inclusion, and the power of sport to unite – are reflected in everything this new centre will offer."