The huge concrete apartment complex, completed in 1961, continues to divide opinion but is enjoying somewhat of a renaissance, celebrated in music, art and on stage in the award-winning musical Standing at the Sky’s Edge.
When they were built, replacing rows of rundown back-to-back housing, the flats at Park Hill were among the most civil engineering projects of their day. The 995 flats and maisonettes were linked by bridges – famously dubbed ‘streets in the sky’ – which were wide enough to accommodate milk floats. There were four pubs – The Earl George on The Pavement, The Link and the Scottish Queen on Gilbert Row, and the Parkway on Hague Row – and 31 shops.
Park Hill hasn’t always been as well loved as it is today, with the newly refurbished flats becoming among the city’s most sought-after addresses. But as these photos from the archives show it has been home throughout its six decades to a thriving community.
5. Pantomime treat
Lottery winners Ray and Barbara Wragg with some of the Park Hill Primary School pupils who were treated to a night out at the pantomime in January 2003 Photo: Barry Richardson
6. Eighties life
Sheffield's Park Hill flats pictured in January 1986 Photo: Sheffield Newspapers Ltd
7. Dane's Snacks
Ken Hopkins pictured outside Dane's Snacks in December 2003. He had been offered £1,200 to quit his shop at Park Hill despite having just invested £14,500 refurbishing. Photo: Dean Atkins
8. 'Streets in the sky'
One of the walkways linking the flats at Park Hill, Sheffield, in 1986 Photo: Sheffield Newspapers Ltd