Next phase of major regeneration scheme wins planning approval

The regeneration of Park Hill, in Sheffield, has reached another milestone as the Park Hill Art Space has been given permission by Sheffield City Council.

The fourth phase of Park Hill follows the £100m spent on redeveloping the scheme to date. This includes the completed first phase, comprising 260 homes and 30,000 sq ft of workspace, as well as phases two and three which are now on site.

The overall project is being carried out by Urban Splash and its joint venture partner, Places for People.

The arts development, led by Sheffield’s S1 Artspace, was voted through unanimously by Sheffield City Council’s Planning Committee. This is a national flagship initiative designed to transform the heart of Park Hill, and provide a world-class destination for arts, culture and heritage.

Park Hill Art Space is intended to be a major economic driver for the city, acting as a catalyst for its visitor economy and encouraging inward investment.

Louise Hutchinson, Artistic Director and CEO of S1 Artspace, said: “We are delighted that Sheffield City Council have approved our plans for Park Hill Art Space.

“Over the past four years based at Park Hill, we’ve worked closely with the local community to deliver a relevant and ambitious programme of exhibitions and events. The opportunity to build on this work by establishing a major new cultural destination for the region will be significant for Sheffield.

“This project is also much more than an arts development, it is about recognising the pivotal role of culture in shaping the future of the city.”

Tom Bloxham, Chairman of Urban Splash, added: “We are very pleased to see the S1 Art Space plans progress. Our support for this and S1 is another example of Urban Splash’s commitment to help the arts across the country.

“We believe in genuine mixed use regeneration and are always delighted to work with credible artists and art organisations to help transform our towns and cities.”

Simon Gawthorpe, Managing Director of Urban Splash, on behalf of the joint venture at Park Hill with Places for People, said: “Our total investment in Park Hill is currently over £100m and we are proud that we have powered through the vision we had 10 years ago – which is now becoming a reality.

“Park Hill Art Space has a significant part to play in this.

“In March we started work on Phase two, which will be a further 200 residential flats and more commercial space which we aim to complete by mid 2021, and Phase three – new student accommodation delivered by the Alumno Group called Beton House – will be ready for occupancy by September 2020.

“We already have a thriving 700-strong, active community at Park Hill and S1 Artspace has helped to develop this.

“They have integrated their work with the residents and businesses and their studios provide an artistic vibrancy to the local area. Their exhibitions have attracted national attention drawing visitors from all over the UK – adding to the cultural reputation of Sheffield.”

Park Hill Art Space will feature one of the largest contemporary art galleries in the North of England as well as artist studios, workspace for creative businesses, learning and community studios, heritage flats, accommodation for visiting artists, a gallery shop and café.

The project will provide public access to the Duke St block of the Grade II* listed Park Hill, including access to flats as part of a public heritage offer.

The existing concrete structure of the building will be restored and will provide a framework for the re-purposed spaces. The new build art gallery will be connected to the base of the residential tower, using the former Link pub as the entrance space, café and gallery shop.

The gallery building is designed as a series of interlinked rooms, partially submerged into the sloped landscape and organised around a secure external courtyard. The art gallery will be built from brick and concrete, making a material link to the original buildings of Park Hill.

The architect for Park Hill Arts Space is Carmody Groarke, and the plans also include designs by Jonathan Cook Landscape Architects.

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close