City centre neighbourhoods earmarked for future regeneration and growth

A framework put together for Sheffield has identified five city centre neighbourhoods as being ripe for regeneration opportunities.

As part of a neighbourhood-led approach to growth, the framework identifies how Neepsend, Furnace Hill, Moorfoot, Wicker Riverside and Castlegate could all see improved social, environmental and economic value.

Developed by design practice Planit-IE in partnership with Deloitte and Homes England, the Sheffield City Centre Priority Neighbourhood Framework forms part of a suite of documents which have informed the Sheffield Local Plan process to determine appropriate housing and future growth in the city centre. 

Louise Fountain, principal urban designer at Planit-IE, said: “It’s such an exciting time for Sheffield and we’re overjoyed to be able to play a role in its future. 

“We’ve been contributing to the Local Plan for the city since 2020 and it’s exciting to see the future development being brought forward in a comprehensive way.”

The plans form part of Sheffield’s efforts to bring more residents into the city centre with up to 20,000 new homes.

Each of the five neighbourhoods identified will have a heart, amenity space, local facilities, and infrastructure, all within walking distance.

Councillor Mazher Iqbal, co-chair of Sheffield City Council’s transport, regeneration and climate policy committee, said: “We’re so pleased with the Neighbourhood Framework document that has been drawn up as part our ambitious Local Plan for Sheffield. 

“It will be central to our plans to create a more compact city and encourage people to live in the city centre – making use of existing brownfield land, ensuring quality homes are built in the right places, delivering more accessible, adaptable, affordable and sustainable housing, and promoting active travel, all whilst protecting the green character of our city.”

A vision for each neighbourhood was established by identifying their unique qualities, assets and challenges. 

Jessica Stanley, assistant director, real estate at Deloitte, said: “This strategy has highlighted that Sheffield is special and has some exceptional development opportunities available particularly in the five strategic locations for growth that will truly drive forward transformation of the city centre.

“One important overarching aim was to increase demand for city centre living in Sheffield and to encourage increased investment and delivery of new sustainable communities. 

“The strategy outlines how the market challenges of delivering homes for all can be addressed through placemaking, delivery vehicles, the type of residential development needed, quality, and the neighbourhood creation required to establish the city centre as a residential area of choice.”

Under the framework, Neepsend will include a new riverside park that maximises the River Don as a natural asset, creating accessible green space for visitors and a biodiverse natural corridor.

Castlegate will be the home of Sheffield’s innovation district and will become a true mixed-use neighbourhood which celebrates the rich history of the former Castle site.

Furnace Hill will draw on its heritage buildings and industry, while having the potential to grow through the delivery of up to 3,109 new homes.

Wicker Riverside will become a live/work neighbourhood catering to a range of demographics with high-quality homes, including affordable and key worker properties.

Finally, Moorfoot is to create a distinctive gateway development into the city centre, offering compact contemporary living. A new public square will accommodate visitors and outdoor events.

The framework notes that Moorfoot has the potential to deliver up to 2,880 homes.