One of the biggest temperate glasshouses to be built in Britain in a century, and the largest to be created in a European city centre, the project was part of the original Heart of the City scheme and followed the completion of the neighbouring Millennium Gallery.
Costing £5.5 million, and designed by architects Pringle Richards Sharratt, it contains more than 2,000 plants which live beneath soaring timber arches made of larch.
These pictures show the construction of the Winter Garden in the early 2000s, and serve as a reminder of the undertaking's ambition and scope.
5. A better replacement
The Winter Garden stands on the site of the 'Eggbox', a concrete extension to the Town Hall that was demolished after becoming a notorious eyesore. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Picture Sheffield
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The Winter Garden opened in Sheffield in 2003. Photo: Picture Sheffield | Other 3rd Party Photo: Picture Sheffield
7. A tall order
Cranes can be seen from the Peace Gardens as the wooden structure takes shape. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Picture Sheffield
8. A crowded scene
Sunbathers were able to look on from the Peace Gardens as the work continued. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Picture Sheffield