Sheffield City Council will oversee a £470 million investment in Sheffield’s Heart of the City development scheme.

Originally active from 2004 – 2016; this year has seen the revitalisation of further initiatives to make Sheffield even better.

Exciting updates are to come on the 15th this week, as the Council is set to analyse progress so far and evaluate how to move forward productively.

Labour Councillor Mazher Iqbal, the Executive Member for ‘City Futures’, has been overseeing these plans and is looking forward to the regroup.

Mr Iqbal said: “The council’s got a decision making process on the 15th. It’s called the ‘corporate executive’.

“This report will show Sheffield: ‘this is where we’re at’ and ‘these are the next stages’…”

The councillor said he wants to overlook a variety of different changes in the next couple of years, including more physical work and living spaces.

He claimed the reaction so far has been mostly positive and plans have reached an international level, with Sheffield assuming the status of ‘City of the Future’ overseas.

Labour Councillor for Manor Castle, Sioned-Mair Richards, agreed, and emphasised the effort being put into this scheme, and specific key improvements.

“The biggest development is the Radisson Hotel on Pinstone Street. The fact that this international company is still going ahead with the project is a real vote of confidence for the city.”

“We will be a destination for weekend breaks; with a good entertainment and retail offer, as well as being the outdoor city with the Peak District on our doorstep”

Managing Director of the plans, Adam Reeves-Brown, emphasised the importance for lifestyle in these plans, to help people enjoy life more after the pandemic. 

An old car park is set to be revamped, and new bowling alleys, art galleries and live entertainment spaces are set to be introduced.

There is also a big focus on prioritising cyclists and pedestrians, in order to contribute to the council’s low carbon emissions for 2030.

However, for those worried Sheffield will lose its sense of ‘self’, Mr Reeves-Brown said the restoration of certain streets and buildings that hold historical significance are being prioritised too.

“Cambridge Street will become the real di-cultural and social heart of the scheme. There’s a lot of significant heritage attention there, including saving a Grade 2 listed building that has remained derelict for many years.

“You’re combining the new and the old.” 

Expected to complete in 2022 and 2023, this scheme is set to become one of the largest regional campaigns in the UK.

(Photo provided by Adam Reeves-Brown)