Young minds shaping the future of Sheffield regeneration

Sheffield’s next generation of property professionals took centre stage this week as Regeneration Brainery joined Urban Splash, Peter and Paul, Made it Together, and Capital & Centric for a week-long training programme in the city.

  The award-winning academy, dedicated to inspiring and mentoring young people aged 16 and over, ran hands-on workshops, site visits, and mentoring sessions, introducing students to some of Sheffield’s most iconic regeneration projects.

A key highlight of the programme was a day at the Grade II-listed Cole Brothers building, which is set to be transformed by Urban Splash into a dynamic hub featuring cafés, restaurants, shops, leisure facilities, cultural spaces, and flexible workspaces – all designed to complement the Heart of the City regeneration.

As part of the visit, students hosted a mock public consultation, putting forward their own ideas for the building’s future.

Sian Stanhope, development manager at Urban Splash, said: “Young people are the future of this city, so it made sense to tap into their creativity and vision for its built environment.

“As we continue shaping the future of Cole Brothers, we want to ensure the building remains active, and meanwhile events like this play a vital role in keeping it alive and relevant to the community. This event with Regeneration Brainery was a fantastic way to engage young minds, giving them a platform to share ideas and influence the spaces they will live, work, and thrive in for years to come.”

Students also visited another Urban Splash landmark – Park Hill, the Grade II-listed estate that has been transformed into more than 800 homes, workspaces, and green spaces.

Michelle Steel, chief executive at Regeneration Brainery, added: “We believe the best way to inspire young people into careers in property and regeneration is to immerse them in real projects, surrounded by the professionals shaping our cities. Sheffield is undergoing a major transformation, and this programme will allow young people to experience first-hand how these changes happen – and how they can be part of it.”