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.
9. On the decks
Hopeful DJs gather round the decks as part of a DJ workshop at Park Hill Community Centre in Sheffield in February 2003 Photo: Dean Atkins
10. 1950s kitchen
A kitchen in one of the flats at Park Hill, Sheffield, in 1959, when the complex was still under construction Photo: Sheffield Newspapers Ltd
11. Park Hill fashion
Zara Collard-Manson with her 'Streets in the Sky' bag and purse range inspired by Sheffield's Park Hill flats Photo: Andrew Partridge
12. Playground
Children in the playground at Sheffield's Park Hill flats in July 1959 Photo: Sheffield Newspapers Ltd