Sheffield council submits planning application to transform Castle site

An exciting project could soon be launched in Sheffield, as the City Council has submitted a planning application to transform the site of the old castle.  

The currently empty Castle plot could be turned into an events space with new public art and an area which opens up the River Sheaf.  

The council says wants to turn the site into a ‘vibrant and inviting area in the city centre’, revitalising the spot where the original castle once stood in 1184. 

Sheffield’s heritage will be celebrated as part of the plans, with some of the castle’s remains, such as the former gatehouse, being exposed, while other parts of the castle will remain in an underground chamber.  

Cllr Mazher Iqbal, Co-Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: ‘In November we asked the people of Sheffield what they thought of our plans for Castlegate and took on board that feedback to draw up our final proposal. 

‘After a fantastic response from public, we’re thrilled to have made progress with the Castle site and now submitted the transformational plans for the public space. 

‘Our teams have worked incredibly hard to develop a plan which brings together the history of the space and offers an inviting space for Sheffielders to visit and enjoy within the city centre. 

‘The Castle site has played a crucial part in Sheffield’s history and remains an important part of our city. We hope everyone is just as excited as we are about this next step and bringing the area back to the hub of activity it used to be.’ 

Public art will pay tribute to the city’s history through to the industrial era, while an events space, which can host 500 people, will be reminiscent of the old ‘bowling green’ which used to be there in the 1600s.  

The River Sheaf runs underground after being covered in the early 20th century, but part of it will be uncovered as part of the project to create a space for people to sit and enjoy views of the water.  

Flood mitigation measures and sustainable urban drainage will also be incorporated into the community space, as well as the council’s ‘Grey to Green’ planting scheme.  

Photos provided by Sheffield City Council