this project was worked on by JULIAN STEPHENSON, LAUREN HAWKSWORTH AND DAVID TAYLOR, WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP FROM ACROSS OUR BUSINESS.
Why Sheffield?
Working with Sheffield Council for over 9 years, Montagu Evans assisted Sheffield City Council in the delivery of their masterplan aiming to revitalise the city centre as part of their heart of the city II strategy. This involved working with the City’s strategic development manager Queensberry to shape and deliver this vision.
The plan was aimed to drive economic growth back into Sheffield by attracting visitors, creating jobs and encouraging the return of people living in the city centre alongside a more sustainable environment. This was to allow Sheffield to compete effectively with other centres in the region.
THE CHALLENGE
Sheffield City Centre had a number of long-standing challenges, including a large number of vacancies, a decline in retail due to competition from Meadowhall Shopping Centre and a lack of investment. As a result, the city had a poor visitor experience, a need to accommodate more high-skilled jobs and poor place perceptions.
THE SOLUTION
Working closely with the Council and the new architects, Montagu Evans undertook an assessment of the development opportunities leading to the creation of a masterplan with a phase-by-phase approach, retaining more historic buildings to allow the flexibility to adapt to shifting market demands way from retail towards workspace, leisure and living.
Rather than promoting a lengthy and inflexible masterplan, Montagu Evans created a unique framework based upon individual plots that ensured it met the right commercial and planning requirements, as well as creating a framework for individually designed buildings with different architects. This then led to the appointment of Queensberry as development manager. This collaborative partnership over time involving targeted consultation ensured a proactive approach to meeting the changing business and consumer needs.
THE OUTCOME
Montagu Evans’ planning, heritage and master planning advice has worked towards the creation of 1.5 million sq ft of new individually designed & repurposed buildings surrounded by rejuvenated streets & public spaces, including a new urban park for the city, a new flagship headquarters for HSBC, new homes, a flagship hotel, and leisure as well as shopping.
Key Moments
- The challenges
- The approach
- The outcome for business, heritage, residential
- What success looks like
- The relationship with Montagu Evans