Proposals for a £100m transformation of Gleadless Valley have been approved.
The Gleadless Valley Masterplan, which includes developments in housing, green spaces and employment opportunities, was given the go-ahead on 24 March after three months of consultations with residents.
Changes include the construction of 80 Older Persons Independent Living Scheme apartments and 109 new build houses and apartments. Existing maisonettes are set to be replaced and remodelled while 51 blocks of flats will be externally refurbished.
The Masterplan also details plans to upgrade parks and play equipment, increase traffic calming measures and plant more trees across the estate.
Tower blocks in Gleadless Valley
Sally Pedley, Chairperson of Gleadless Valley Tenants and Residents Association, said: “The Masterplan is an excellent opportunity for Gleadless Valley.
“The estate itself is very widespread with some beautiful open green spaces. The masterplan is giving the opportunity to look at how those spaces are used and to develop more active spaces for children and families.
“These are going to be disruptive times, with lots of works taking place but will also create job opportunities for local people. Exciting times lay ahead for the regrowth of Gleadless Valley.”
Shop fronts and local centres will be reformed and community growing and gardening projects will be introduced.
Meanwhile, the Masterplan promises more opportunities for apprenticeships and training.
From January, residents were asked for feedback on the draft Masterplan, and the Council found that 80% of respondents showed support for the proposals.
However, a resident who lives in a high-rise flat in the Valley expressed her discontent with the plan on Twitter: “The Gleadless Valley Masterplan or disaster plan as I like to call it is throwing a LOT of money this way. It’s a bit like polishing a 💩.”
This is where I live. The Gleadless valley master plan or disaster plan as I like to call it is throwing a LOT of money this way. Its a bit like polishing a 💩 https://t.co/qHUMZx803K
— the jotooption (@jobeone125) March 27, 2022
Gleadless Valley was built in the late 1950s. The estate was considered a new model for social housing because it was a residential area developed within a woodland.
However, parts of the Valley fall into the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in the country, and recent consultation showed that one in three residents did not feel safe in the area at night.
Sheffield City Council secured £500,000 funding from central government to develop the Masterplan in 2018.
The final Masterplan will be published by June.
