These pictures chart some of those transformations, starting with the building of the central post office in the early 20th century, which itself now has a new lease of life, thanks to Sheffield Hallam University. Another early arrival was the Electra Picture Palace, which underwent several changes until it was finally destroyed by fire in the mid-1980s.
A statue of King Edward VII has watched over many of those changes, including a terrible tragedy that took place in December 1940, when the seven-storey Marples Hotel was flattened. The Nazi bomb killed dozens of people sheltering from the bombing in its cellars, that were widely believed to be a safe place.
It was the single greatest loss of life during the war in Sheffield.
As the city centre developed, the once-busy area became increasingly dingy and unwelcoming. Finally, the square was designated as part of a Knowledge Gateway, running down to the Cultural Industries Quarter around Brown Street, and has been completely revamped.
1. Parking spot
Police deal with a car in the pedestrian subway in Fitzalan Square, Sheffield in April 1979 Photo: Sheffield Newspapers
2. Fitzalan Square before
Fitzalan Square, looking towards Commercial Street. The picture is undated but the Sheffield History forum's timeline says that the Cartoon Cinema on the right opened in 1959 and became the Classic Cinema in 1962 Photo: Sheffield Newspapers
3. Seventies scene
Fitzalan Square from above in 1978 - on the right you can just see Wigfall's TV and electrical shop Photo: Sheffield Newspapers
4. Artistic celebration
Dina's art programmer Evelyn Albrow unfurls part of ab art installation that was erected in Fitzalan Square Photo: Scott Merrylees