Sheffield neighbourhoods identified for future regeneration and growth

Developed by Planit-IE in partnership with Deloitte and Homes England, the Sheffield City Centre Priority Neighbourhood Framework forms part of a suite of documents that have informed the Sheffield Local Plan process to determine appropriate housing and future growth in the city centre.

Louise Fountain, principal urban designer at Planit-IE, says: “It’s such an exciting time for Sheffield and we’re overjoyed to be able to play a role in its future. We’ve been contributing to the Local Plan for the city since 2020 and it’s exciting to see the future development being brought forward in a comprehensive way.”

Sheffield’s heritage and townscape character has shaped the design principles, ensuring that future development knits into the surrounding context, avoiding piecemeal change and inappropriate building heights within the built environment.

The plans form part of Sheffield’s efforts to bring more residents into the city centre with up to 20,000 new homes, as part of a holistic vision which considers the City’s role in the regional, national and global economy. In responding to such a vision, Planit’s strategy provides a comprehensive perspective on the key ingredients for city living, such as the need for jobs, leisure, open space, biodiversity and sustainable infrastructure.

The framework identifies five priority locations including Neepsend, Furnace Hill, Moorfoot, Wicker Riverside and Castlegate; encouraging different people to live in the city centre by providing a differentiated offer in identified neighbourhoods.

Each neighbourhood will have a heart, amenity space, local facilities, and infrastructure, all within walking distance and Sheffield’s heritage assets and culture to help define and curate unique places.

Cllr Mazher Iqbal, co-chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: “We’re so pleased with the Neighbourhood Framework document that has been drawn up as part our ambitious Local Plan for Sheffield. A masterplan approach lays the foundations for the strategic vision for each neighbourhood, promoting liveable and walkable communities.

The ‘Priority Locations’ cover 53 hectares of the city centre. Development capacity was assessed across a number of sites, through a unique approach of applying density scenarios within specific parameters and verifying this information through masterplan feasibility testing.

The strategy generates the opportunity for innovation and a joined-up approach to delivery. Regeneration at a city scale will deliver sustainable growth and achieve net zero carbon ambitions. A vision for each neighbourhood was established by identifying the unique qualities, assets and challenges.

Jessica Stanley, assistant director, Real Estate at Deloitte, adds: “This strategy has highlighted that Sheffield is special and has some exceptional development opportunities available particularly in the five strategic locations for growth that will truly drive forward transformation of the city centre.

“One important overarching aim was to increase demand for city centre living in Sheffield and to encourage increased investment and delivery of new sustainable communities. The reward for the Council has been acceptance as a pathfinder project, at the city scale, for the Government’s Levelling Up Programme.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily