Thanks to funding secured in 2021, Sheffield City Council are now able to open plans to transform a key part of the city centre, for public consultation.
The council is planning to create a new public space in Castlegate, which will aim to shine a light on heritage, culture and sustainability. This would be done through new ‘grey to green’ planting, footpaths, a community events space and other infrastructure that is essential to the potential future development of the area.
The council is to make a planning application in early 2023, with plans to begin construction the following summer. The new public space is expected to open in spring 2024.
Residents are being asked to provide their thoughts on the concept proposed, with this feedback helping to refine the ongoing design and development process. The consultation process will open on November 7th.
Co-Chair of Sheffield City Council’s Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, Cllr Mazher Iqbal, said:
“It is pleasing to see our plans for Castlegate are progressing and we are now in a position to seek the thoughts off the people in Sheffield. Public consultation is crucial to this process, ensuring the project delivered meets the needs and expectations of those who will benefit from it. We’re passionate about bringing Castlegate back to the thriving hub of activity it used to be, with green spaces and opportunities for all.”
One drawback of the plans comes due to the current economic situation. With this being the early stage of the design and the Bank of England introducing the steepest increase in interest since Black Wednesday, there is no guarantee that the levelling up funding will cover the entire cost of the project.
Carolyn Butterworth from the University of Sheffield’s School of Architecture added:
“Castlegate is a fascinating place. It may appear rundown and neglected, but it is rich in historical and social history and home to a developing culture of independent music, ecology, skateboarding, art, and food. Together with my colleague Professor John Moreland from the Department of Archaeology and the university’s architecture students we’ve been working with local community groups. Independent retailers, arts organisations and the council on Castlegate’s future for the past few years.
“Our students have raised ambitions for the area via their creative participation and design ideas. I’m excited their work has influenced Castlegate’s proposed new public space and I encourage everyone to visit the Urban Room to share their ideas for this and for Castlegate more widely.”
