Construction of £40m block of flats in Sheffield shows 'confidence in the city'

Cleggs has begun work on 229-apartments on the site of the former Queens Hotel on Scotland Street.

It will have one and two-bed units in an eight-storey block and two 10-storey blocks, with basement car parking.

Two disused buildings will be demolished, the former Queen’s Hotel, which closed in 1997, and Robert Neill & Co electrical wholesalers.

Developer Rise Homes is creating ‘build-to-rent’ units intended for long-term occupation.

Tan Khan, managing director of real estate consultancy Sovereign Asset Solutions, which helped broker the deal, said: “The commitment of funds is a boost for local enterprises in such a difficult climate.

“Rise Homes has worked closely with Sheffield Council to provide high quality, sustainable housing and welcomes the opportunity to play a part in the regeneration of the city.”

Architects Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson state in the planning application that Sheffield’s Corporation of Cutlers constructed a furnace on the site in 1759. It lasted until at least 1784 but by 1853 had been replaced by terraced housing.

It concludes: ‘Neither of the standing buildings within the site are considered to be of key architectural or historic significance’.

It is the latest in a series of projects which are changing the Scotland Street area from light industrial to residential.

The ‘Brass Founders’ students flats opened on the same road a few years ago. Others nearby include Velocity Village on Tenter Street and St. Vincent’s Place on Solly Street.

The development will have 27 car park spaces, electric vehicle charging points, a store for 162 bicycles and be heated with a wood burning boiler.

The application states the advantages are a renewable and carbon neutral source of fuel which offers cheaper heating and hot water. Some two weeks’ worth be stored on site to guarantee supply.

It adds: ‘Rise Homes is a developer with a long-term interest in the building as they will continue to own and operate the fully-furnished rental apartments. The residents’ amenity space is important and an integral part of their offer to prospective tenants.’

The site lies within an area where there is no requirement for affordable housing.

Hand made shoe company launches own brand to beat pandemic

What business leaders think of using spy software in lockdown

New developments coming to Sheffield in 2021

Plea from a reporter – we need you to help keep The Star in Sheffield

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star.

The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support.

Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.