4.6 Kelham Island Quarter

Character

Kelham Island is located north of the city centre and has developed around the River Don. The majority of this quarter is within the Kelham Island Conservation Area as it represents the most intact area of industrial heritage within the city.

The quarter evolved along the river as a consequence of the traditional metal trades which needed to locate near a water supply. These industrial origins are still evident in the medieval industrial street pattern focused around Green Lane and Alma Street. The area contains a number of Sheffield’s significant early Victorian industrial developments such as the Green Lane Works and Globe Works.

Despite the area’s strong historic relationship with the river there is little connection between the existing built form and the watercourse. Although many buildings are flush with the river’s edge they are not oriented to engage with the riverside environment.

While the area contains many historic and listed buildings there is some evidence of more modern industrial developments within the quarter, particularly on the western edge. The older industrial buildings generally consist of brick with stone detailing and slate roofs. The more modern interventions use materials such as brick, metal cladding and asbestos with slate, asbestos or profile metal roofing. Building heights within the quarter vary between 2 –5 storeys.

Whilst there is still a strong industrial presence within the quarter, it is currently developing as mixed use area. Several regeneration projects have been completed or are underway which will ensure the successful reinvention of the area. The quarter offers examples of effective re-use of industrial buildings at the Sheffield Design Studio at Ball Street and the residential conversion of Brooklyn Works.

Generally the public realm reflects the industrial nature of the area with minimal design elements or street furniture. Paved surfaces are predominately tarmac with some areas of cobblestones still exposed. There is a lack of open space in the area which would need to be rectified to improve amenity. Many vacant open spaces have been adopted for car parking.

The distinct character areas within Kelham Island are:

Mowbray Street. This area contains an important group of operational works and workshops, originating from the mid to late 19th century, and centred on the metal trades.

Kelham Island and Green Lane. This is an important grouping of large scale works, comprising one of the last remaining cores of metal trades related buildings within the city. Contained within the Kelham Island Conservation Area, it retains much of its early industrial street pattern. Buildings often have grand frontage or gateway ranges, with courtyards surrounded by workshop and warehouses behind.

The significant buildings in Kelham Island are:

• Globe Works;
  
• Cornish Works;
  
• Cornish Place;
  
• Wharncliffe Works;
  
• Green Lane Works;
  
• The Kelham Island Industrial Museum;
  
• the works and workshops along Mowbray Street;
  
• Brooklyn Works.

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