Case study: park community arena
PARK COMMUNITY ARENA
KNEXU LIMITED
Sheffield, United Kingdom
About:
The Park Community Arena, soon to be the Canon Medical Arena, is the UK’s first carbon-neutral sports and healthcare facility. Located within Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, the development integrates elite sports, NHS diagnostics, and community use in a single venue. Led by Luke Minshall, CEO of Knexu, the project is a pioneering example of health-sport integration and sustainable development.
OBJECTIVES
Co-Locate
Create a facility that brings together sports and healthcare in a single, accessible location.
Diagnostics
Develop a state-of-the-art Medical Diagnostic Centre equipped with Canon Medical imaging.
Collaboration
Unite stakeholders across sport, healthcare, and technology to create long-term impact.
APPROACH
Developed the vision and strategy for a diagnostic centre embedded within a multi-use arena.
Collaborated with Canon Medical Systems, MLS Events, and Sheffield Sharks to deliver a cohesive, cross-sector project.
Designed a carbon-neutral build that serves elite athletes, community groups, and NHS patients.
Integrated advanced diagnostics, including AI-assisted MRI, CT, and X-ray.
Ensured clinical relevance and operational readiness to support both private and NHS pathways.
Created a sustainable, community-driven access model for sport and healthcare.
RESULT
Pioneering Model
One of the UK’s first integrated sport-healthcare facilities, blending community, elite sport, and healthcare delivery.
Enhanced Access
Expanded access to diagnostics and sports medicine for both NHS and private patients.
Sustainable Innovation
Established the UK’s first carbon-neutral sports and diagnostic facility of its kind.
Community Impact
Enabled local schools, clubs, and organisations to access elite facilities and healthcare.
Economic Growth
Boosted the regional economy by driving inward investment and positioning Sheffield as a hub for health innovation.
CONCLUSION
Park Community Arena stands as a benchmark project for integrating sport, health, and sustainability. Through visionary leadership, Knexu delivered a model that brings meaningful health outcomes to underserved communities, improves NHS capacity, and offers a blueprint for the future of community infrastructure. This project exemplifies how sport and healthcare can work hand-in-hand to create lasting value and build healthier communities.