University of Sheffield removes signs banning members of public from campus park
A spokesperson said the signs are “incorrect” - but confirmed access to the park will change
The University of Sheffield has clarified that members of the public are allowed in a campus park - despite signs saying it was only for staff and students.
Laminated sheets appeared on the gates of the Gell Street pocket park in Broomhall in mid July stating “staff and students only permitted in this area.”
It was a reversal to the university’s announcement after its opening in August 2023, when it was referred to as a “new public pocket park.”
One upset resident was former Sheffield City Council cabinet member Peter McLoughlin.
“I don’t know how they intend to police it,” Peter told The Star after spotting the signs.
“The park is five-minute walk from the tower blocks and flats of Netherthorpe and is a welcome, secluded, quiet and peaceful park.
“But on a visit, I was confronted by an official University of Sheffield notice fastened to the entrance gate, with no further explanation as to why ordinary members of the public are no longer permitted to use the park.”
When questioned, a University of Sheffield spokesperson said the signs had since been removed, calling them “incorrect.”
However, they confirmed the park’s gates are now locked overnight on due to “persistent anti-social behaviour.”
The spokesperson said: “The university is proud of all its pocket parks, including the one on Gell Street.
“The park has recently experienced persistent anti-social behaviour. To maintain a safe environment for our students and staff, and on the advice of our campus and security team, we have decided to change access to the park.
“As a three-month pilot, which will be reviewed in the autumn, the gates will now be locked overnight, with the park open during daylight hours.
“We're sorry for any inconvenience this causes and will assess the outcome of the pilot before deciding on any longer-term approach.”
“The previous signage was incorrect and has now been removed. The park was designed as a welcoming green space for our university community and the local public and we apologise for any confusion the incorrect signage caused.”
The park was built using recycled and leftover materials from university construction projects.
The park sits on a site opposite the Department of Music building, at the corner of Gell Street and Leavygreave Road.