Strategic vision laid out for city centre

Sheffield City Council has set out its plans to establish a vision for the future development of the city centre, as part of its One Year Plan.

The city centre has been the focus of initiatives to help businesses bounce back over the past few months, including events funded by the council’s £2m Economic Recovery Fund and Additional Restriction Grant.

The aim of the City Centre Strategic Vision – which is currently being developed – will be to explore how the city centre can reach its full long-term potential, by offering flexible workspaces, high quality housing in new urban neighbourhoods, biodiversity and an exciting mix of restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment.

Alongside new initiatives, the strategy will include the ongoing £470m Heart of the City regeneration project and the rejuvenation of Fargate through the £15.8m Future High Streets Fund, which will see a new event space created and redundant space in the area repurposed.

One of the key priorities of the Strategic Vision will be the creation of new neighbourhoods in central locations such as Castlegate, which has recently been transformed as part of the council’s Grey to Green initiative, and the Moor, which has become home to a host of places to eat and shop in recent years.

The council says strong transport links to and around the city centre are vital to ensuring the area continues to develop.

So part of £50m worth of funding from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund will be allocated to the Connecting Sheffield City Centre scheme, laying the groundwork for more reliable and accessible journeys by foot, cycle and bus.

Councillor Terry Fox, leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “The City Centre Strategic Vision will be essential in making sure we lay a strong foundation that we can build on in years to come and create a city centre that meets the needs of the people using it.

Councillor Terry Fox

“We know that to be successful we need to recognise that what people want from their city centres has changed over the years – it’s not just about going into town to shop anymore.

“The new vision and plans that will go with it will help us to develop a diverse and resilient city centre that celebrates the independent and eclectic spirit Sheffield is known for.

“We’re a major city and we want to shout about what we have to offer, from our fantastic parks to our unique architecture.

“There’s something for everyone and we want to put a clear vision in place so we can continue to safeguard our environment, provide great homes and make Sheffield city centre a place everyone wants to be.”

Public consultation on the City Centre Strategic Vision will take place in January 2022. The full report is available here.

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