Thanks to funding secured in 2021, Sheffield City Council is now able to open plans to transform an important part of the city centre, for public consultation.
The council is planning to create a new public space in Castlegate, which aims to shine a light on heritage, culture and sustainability. This will be done through new ‘grey to green’ planting, footpaths, a community events space and other infrastructure essential to the area’s future development potential.
The council will make a planning application in early 2023, with plans to start construction next summer. The new public space is expected to open in spring 2024.
Residents are asked to provide their thoughts on the proposed concept, 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 great to see our plans for Castlegate progressing and we are now in a position to seek the thoughts of the people of Sheffield. Public consultation is essential to this process, ensuring that the project delivered meets the needs and those who will benefit from it look forward to it. We are passionate about returning Castlegate to the thriving hub of activity it once was, with green spaces and opportunities for all.”
One setback to the plans is due to the current economic situation. As this is the first phase of the design and the Bank of England is introducing the steepest interest rate hike since Black Wednesday, there is no guarantee that the leveling up of funding will cover the full cost of the project.
Carolyn Butterworth from the University of Sheffield’s School of Architecture added:
“Castlegate is an amazing place. It may seem rundown and neglected, but it is rich in history and social history and is home to a thriving culture of independent music, ecology, skateboarding, art, and food. With my colleague Professor John Moreland from the Department of Archeology and the university’s architecture students we have been working with local community groups Independent retailers, arts organizations and the council on the future of Castlegate in the past how many years.
“Our students have raised ambitions for the area through their creative involvement and design ideas. I’m excited that their work has influenced Castlegate’s proposed new public space and I encourage everyone to visit Urban Room to share their ideas for this and for Castlegate more widely.