Sheffield's 'tallest tower' plans ditched

The soaring ‘Sheffield Tower’ building on Sheaf Street was proposed by Sheffield Hallam University to impress visitors to the city and as a ‘gateway’ to its campus.

It was set to feature a a five-star hotel, 200 flats, restaurants and a conference hall. Investors were encouraged to come forward after it was unveiled in 2018.

But Daniel Ladbury, director of estates and facilities, said they had tested the market and it had not proved viable in the way they envisaged.

The plot, the site of the former Nelson Mandela Building, would have been “tricky” for such a tall, narrow building, he added.

“We are still keen to realise a great development on that site. We tried hard to bring something forward but it was too tricky and current market conditions mean it is not the most important priority.

“It will be a different development, smaller, but still something that creates a gateway.

“We are still excited and optimistic about the future and committed to bringing great developments to Howard Street that contribute to Sheffield.”

The tower would have supported the university’s 15-year masterplan which is focused on Howard Street.

Plans are going in to demolish the Science Park, on the left as you walk up Howard Street, and replace it with a business school, teaching kitchens, lecture theatres and a cafe.

A new, grassed route called Howard Green will extend toward The Hubs building on Paternoster Row.

On the right, half way up, will be a new main entrance to the Owen Building – and the entire university – which is currently at the top of the hill facing Arundel Gate.

Two new buildings are proposed on the same side, including a new student hub, set to be home for the students’ union, which is currently in The Hubs, as well as student services and leisure facilities.

Together they will form a new ‘Heart of the Campus’.

The Hubs will be converted into lecture theatres and space to engage with business. Hallam Square at the top of Howard Street will be revamped with more greenery. And the atrium glass roof on the Owen building is set to be renovated.

So far the masterplan has delivered the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre and Food Engineering buildings in Attercliffe.

The £140m Science Park is set to be redeveloped over the next three years. The rest of the proposals are medium-term and will be reviewed in autumn when student numbers are known, Mr Ladbury said.

“Our main aim is to reduce the long-term cost of real estate. But it comes down to financial viability. If you had asked me six months ago I would have been a lot more certain.”

The university was keenly aware it owns some of the best-positioned land in Sheffield, especially with the arrival of HS2, he added.

“We are working with the city council on the HS2 masterplan. It’s a responsibility we take very seriously. I would like to think we come out of the pandemic stronger due to creative thinking.”

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