Next phase of major re-development expected to attract multi-million-pound investment

Planning permission for phase three of the Park Hill re-development in Sheffield has been granted, giving the the go-ahead for 70 more units and 356 student residents.

It is expected that phase three will bring investment of around £20m to Sheffield, with around 100 employed in the delivery, including construction and design. Once occupied, it is anticipated that the student population will bring an additional £2m per year into the local community.

Sheffield City Council has granted planning permission for for the proposals, which also includes plans for new commercial space for shops, cafes or a gym.
The accommodation has been designed around groups of four and eight bedrooms with shared living space in a three-storey ‘townhouse’ format.

The proposals were developed by Whittam Cox Architects, which was the first design practice in the Sheffield City Region to play a key role in the transformation of Park Hill. It will add bespoke student accommodation to the existing mix of residents and businesses currently in phase one and shortly to be joined by phase two, which will start later this year.

Alumno will be undertaking a the refurbishment using a conservation-led approach to preserve the historic character of the building, including the numerous mosaic panels across the block. The proposals will add a distinct yet complementary neighbourhood to Park Hill that builds on the work Urban Splash has already done in giving Park Hill a new lease of life.

The  development is expected to be ready for occupation by the start of the 2020/21 academic year. Alumno will also work closely with Urban Splash to progress securing occupiers for the commercial space.

Councillor Jack Scott, of Sheffield City Council, said: “Park Hill is quite simply one of the most iconic places to be in Sheffield, and can hold its own with any architectural landmark in the whole of Europe. These phased plans are a further sign of progress and confidence in the area, which is now thriving with an active community with regular events, a new cafe, businesses and the home of S1 Artspace who attract visitors from all over the city with their ongoing exhibiton and events programme.”

David Campbell, managing director at Alumno, added: “This is an iconic site with international significance – forming a crucial part of Sheffield’s past, present and future – and will be one of our most important projects to date. Our plans will bring new life and vibrancy to this Grade II* listed estate delivering on both ours and our partner’s placemaking objectives.”

Mark Latham, regeneration director Urban Splash, said: “The vision for Park Hill was to create a new and mixed community that reflected the city’s make up and therefore it is right that students should be part of it.”

Nick Riley, board director at Whittam Cox Architects, said: “We are particularly proud to be associated with Park Hill as we are a local practice; this building is culturally and physically an intrinsic part of Sheffield for many people, so being part of realising its next chapter is hugely important to us.”