University unveils ambitious vision for its city campus

THE University of Sheffield has unveiled ambitious development plans which are set to revolutionise the University’s campus, opening it up to the public and linking it firmly with the city centre.

The Campus Masterplan sets out the University’s pioneering plans, over the next 10 to 15 years, to create a unified, sustainable and green campus.

The Masterplan aims to establish better links with the wider community, particularly with the Gold Route which connects the campus to the city, Sheffield Hallam University and Midland Station.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, professor Sir Keith Burnett, said: “Developing an estate which allows us to provide world-class teaching and learning facilities for our students and staff is certainly a major priority. But so too is the desire to be firmly part of our city and to create a safe and welcoming environment which encourages people from all walks of life to see it as their University.

“We’re proud of the city’s heritage and our remarkable history of innovation and determination and we believe that we have an important role to play in contributing to city vibrancy.

“This Masterplan will help us to do that, by setting out an ambitious approach to improving the quality of the built environment in our part of the city and the spaces which tie the urban architecture together. We’ll also invest in transport and travel networks so that everyone using our campus can enjoy a better, safer and healthier experience.”

The Masterplan has been developed in conjunction with Sheffield City Council, and Leigh Bramall, cabinet member for business, skills and development, said: “The Masterplan reflects the Council’s vision for an attractive, well-connected and walkable city which is easy to get around using all modes of transport. We know that local people have strong views about how they want their city to be developed, and this is their chance to shape the Sheffield of the future.”

There are also proposals for a number of new buildings. These include a new state-of-the-art science facility in the Hounsfield area and an sports centre on Northumberland Road, which is also the planned location for a social sciences building.

Professor Sir Keith Burnett said the aspirational plans will motivate academic excellence in an innovative environment. He said: “We want to foster our valuable links with the city of Sheffield and the wider region and its businesses, and to encourage our staff and students to achieve their full potential.

“Creating the right environment for that to happen is vital and we believe that this Masterplan shows our commitment to achieving that through collaborative and inspirational ways.”

There are plans to establish two new crossings on Western Bank with a further improved crossing on Upper Hanover Street and increased safety measures at Brook Hill Roundabout. There are also proposals to improve facilities for cyclists with two new bike hubs which will provide more than 500 secure spaces with shower and changing facilities to support and encourage sustainable travel.

Keith Lilley, director of estates and facilities management at the University of Sheffield, said “We want people in the city, not just our staff and students, to love spending time here. We want to make it even easier and safer for people to walk and cycle, and we also want to create public spaces which encourage people from all over the city to visit and enjoy the campus.

“Our challenge is to continue to plan and manage our estate in a way which boosts the quality of our physical assets and surroundings to help us compete for the best staff and students from around the world. We really want to know what people think about the ideas we’ve set out, so hope that people will visit the website or come to one of our four public exhibition days to find out more and let us know their views.”

The University will be inviting members of the public to take a closer look at the plans at four consultation events.