Richard Caborn, project lead for the OLP – the biggest legacy project of its kind outside London, is one of the first people to be inaugurated in the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.
 
Former Sports Minister and Sheffield MP Richard Caborn has been instrumental in bringing together key partners from the public and private sector to create the Olympic Legacy Park in Sheffield, which is set to be an internationally recognised innovation district for health and wellbeing research and learning.
 
A joint venture between Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Sheffield City Council, the 35-acre OLP is now home to Oasis Academy Don Valley and UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park campus.
 
The next phase of the unique project will see work begin on the Community Pitch, public realm and landscaping in the autumn before building starts on the Park Community Arena and Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre next year.
 
Richard also has a prestigious Honorary Fellowship of the City from the City and Guilds of London Institute, a Doctor of Letters from the University of Sheffield and an Honorary Fellowship from Sheffield Hallam University.
 
Richard said: “It is a huge honour to be recognised by the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce in the new Hall of Fame. As a proud Sheffielder, it is humbling to be put forward by the city as one of the first to be inaugurated. I couldn’t have achieved many of the things I have without the help of others, and would like to thank them, along with the Chamber for this honour.”
 
Having started as an engineering apprentice at Sheffield steel firm, Firth Brown, Richard went on to become Vice President of the Sheffield Trades Council and an MEP and MP for Sheffield Central.
 
During his time in government, he served in many different roles, including Regeneration and Planning, Minister for the Regions and Minister for the Trade. He also helped to establish Regional Development Agencies to promote industry, employment and wellbeing.
 
As Minister for Sport, Richard played a leading role in helping London win the 2012 Olympics. He has also served as President of the UK School Games and the English Amateur Boxing Association.
 
The Hall of Fame has been established by outgoing president of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, Jillian Thomas, as part of the legacy of her year in office.
 
Jillian said: “Richard is a fantastic ambassador for Sheffield who has given so much to this city over the years and we wanted to honour his dedication and commitment and recognise the incredible work he is doing to develop the unique Olympic Legacy Park
 
“You can already see the positive impact it’s having on local communities in terms of health and wellbeing opportunities and attracting businesses to invest and locate their business alongside other world-leading organisations.”
 
Each year the President of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce will choose new inductees to the Hall of Fame, which will be located at the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce’s offices.