4.9 Sheaf Valley Quarter

Vision

The delivery of the key projects envisioned in the masterplan will see the Sheaf Valley become the technology and transportation hub of Sheffield. Through the combined strengths of the e-campus and the Sheffield Hallam University, as well as the link into the activity of the neighbouring Cultural Industries Quarter, the Sheaf Valley will become the focus of innovation, learning and development within Sheffield. The projects will showcase Sheffield’s trend towards excellence in contemporary architecture and urban design. New and refurbished buildings will be interconnected by a series of well designed public spaces and pedestrian links, focusing around Howard Street and Sheaf Square.

Foremost, the realisation of the e-campus will firmly establish Sheffield as a centre for IT related and knowledge based industries in the UK, and Europe. As a purpose designed IT business district, the e-campus will generate a new critical mass of economic activity in the city centre. The layout of the e-campus will be completely flexible so to cater for companies of all sizes and to adapt to the changing needs of its inhabitants. The e-campus will be designed as a series of striking contemporary buildings and landscaped open spaces linking into the activity of the neighbouring university. The design quality of the complex will reflect its high profile image and create a landmark feature at the eastern gateway to the city centre.

As the most important commuter entry to the city centre, the Midland Station will be developed as an interchange for rail and bus transport, establishing its role as the city’s principal business link to London, Birmingham and Manchester. The historic station building will be enlarged and modernised, with its significant features retained and incorporated into a scheme providing an extended glass canopy for meeting points and a taxi stand.

As the first in a series of linked spaces leading to the city centre, the forecourt of the station will become a gateway civic space, Station Square, created through the demolition of Sheaf House/redesign of the lower level of Sheaf House.

With the completion of the IRR project reducing traffic flow on Sheaf Street, Sheaf Square will be redesigned to create a strong and direct link into the Howard Street pedestrian spine, leading to the city centre. Whilst still remaining a busy vehicular connection, traffic will be adequately calmed to create clear and prioritised crossing points for pedestrians. Together with significant public realm improvements and boulevard planting, Sheaf Street will no longer have the effect of severing the station from the city that it serves.

Howard Street and Pond Street will be transformed with the activities of the university and the student union, the e-campus and the CIQ permeating the quarter. A strong and cohesive pedestrian environment will nurture a vibrant street level scene of pubs, bars and small shops, merging with the cultural life of the CIQ. The major growth and changes in the Sheaf Valley will be accompanied by the redevelopment of significant sites along the Arundel Gate, including the Odeon and the Roxy. Benefiting from their strategic location between the city centre and the activity in the lower part of the quarter, they will become a focus for larger scale business, retail and leisure uses.

Comparator projects

Pfizer Office, Surrey This high tech research facility set in garden surrounds illustrates how landscaping can create a high quality environment, which could be applied to the design of the e campus.
Peckham Library A bold and distinctive form with colourful finishes houses a variety of educational and community functions. This style of contempoary architecture would reflect the energy and innovation of the Sheaf Valley.
Hampden Gurney C of E Primary School, London This style of distinct high-tech building could become a feature of the quarter, with its unique facade treatment, and throw light onto the street at night.

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