Approval recommended for landmark advanced machining facility

Sheffield Forgemasters’ plans for a major machining facility on brownfield land in the city’s Meadowhall district look set for a green light when they go before councillors next week.

The firm last year lodged plans with Sheffield City Council last year for the development on a 16-acre plot at Weedon Street.

Its proposed 320,000 sq ft plant should form one of the world’s most advanced large machining facilities, to support the Ministry of Defence-owned company’s manufacturing for the UK defence programme.

Once operational it will contain 17 new machines, including some of the largest and most advanced five-axis Vertical Turning Lathes ever made.

The building will cover a space equal to 12 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Next to the main part of the site would be a second proposed building, including a test-house facility and a training area, to transfer skills to the next generation of engineers.

Work on the development is planned to start in the fourth quarter of 2024, with the machining facility due to be operational by the end of 2028.

Sheffield Forgemasters’ application will be considered by the city council’s Planning and Highways Committee on 11 February. Planning officers have recommended it for approval, subject to conditions.