Sheffield Forgemasters International has called in architects Race Cottam Associates to create a masterplan for its 143 year old, 64-acre Brightside Lane works.

The plan could determine how the plant develops over the next 25 years and is expected to include proposals to improve the appearance of the works by re-cladding many of the buildings, introducing landscaped green areas and "encouraging biodiversity."

Strategic options linked to the company's capital investment programme and preventing a repetition of the flooding, which left part of the plant six feet under water last year, will form part of the masterplan.

Race Cottam has also been asked to look at ways of bringing the listed Vickers office building and an old machine shop back into use after standing empty for years

Project architect Peter Fauset said: "Forgemasters' plant is one of the region's most significant industrial sites but many of the buildings are old and although structurally sound have a very worn, industrial appearance.

"We are working closely with the company to develop a masterplan for the whole site which will include significant environmental and sustainable solutions which the company is keen to promote."

Forgemasters director Peter Birtles said: "This is an important time for Forgemasters going forward. We have a responsibility to both recognise the historic qualities of this site and its environment, but also need to address the company's advancement and development."

- Sheffield Forgemasters can trace its roots back to 1805, when George Naylor built a steelworks at Millsands, where the Riverside office development close to Sheffield city centre now stands.

Edward Vickers joined forces with Naylor to form Naylor Vickers and in 1864 opened the River Don Works on Brightside Lane, where Forgemasters is based.

The company became part of the English Steel Corporation and then the British Steel Corporation.

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