Public space set to open as part of £480m regeneration scheme

Sheffield city centre’s new public space, Pound’s Park, is to open early to the public on 3 April.

Named after Sheffield’s first chief fire officer, superintendent John Charles Pound, the park is on the former fire station site between Rockingham Street, Wellington Street and Carver Street, and will offer spaces for play, relaxation and socialising.

Councillor Mazher Iqbal, co-chair transport, regeneration and climate policy committee, Sheffield City Council, said: “This is such an important asset to the city centre and, although there is still some work to be completed over the coming weeks, we are really keen to see Sheffield’s community start to benefit from it right away.

“The council is investing in truly unique and high-quality public spaces across the city centre, bringing The Outdoor City ethos right into the heart of Sheffield.

“Pound’s Park builds on the success of the Peace Gardens, the Grey-to-Green scheme in Castlegate and the work now beginning on Fargate. We are reinventing what city centres of the future can be.

“Creating these spaces is not only about giving people free and attractive places to enjoy and relax in, it helps reduce vehicle congestion in the city centre, as well as creating an attractive environment that will see us attract new residents, businesses and retail and leisure brands into the city centre – driving more footfall.”

Part of Heart of the City – a £480m regeneration scheme led by Sheffield City Council and its strategic development partner Queensberry – Pound’s Park is flanked by a number of evolving Heart of the City construction sites, so its final integration into the surrounding streets is to be completed later this year.

To the west of the park is Kangaroo Works, a residential development delivering 364 new apartments.

To the east is Elshaw House, the city’s first zero carbon-ready office building, and Cambridge Street Collective, a contemporary hospitality space featuring a food hall and rooftop restaurant.

All three developments are due to complete this summer and major public realm enhancements to Carver Street will take place later this year.