The second phase of the huge regeneration scheme which began with the Park Hill flats, they were opened amid great excitement and acclaim by the Queen Mother on June 23, 1966 – the same day as another city landmark, the University of Sheffield’s Arts Tower. But unlike Park Hill, which has undergone a remarkable revival to become one of the city’s most sought-after addresses, history has been less kind to the Hyde Park flats.
They were initially feted but living conditions rapidly deteriorated and the blocks were cleared of residents in the late 80s before being briefly converted to house competitors in the World Student Games in 1991. By 1993, most of the flats had been demolished – with the rubble reputedly used to fill in Sheffield’s Hole in the Road underpass. Today, two blocks remain, renamed as Harold Lambert Court and Castle Court.
This photo gallery of images from The Star’s archives gives a glimpse of what life was once like on the huge estate.
5. Enormous
A man poses to illustrate the scale of the Hyde Park flats, in Sheffield, in July 1965. Photo: JP
6. Children gather for royal visit
While the Hyde Park flats in Sheffield could easily be dismissed as a failed experiment in social housing, many former residents still have fond memories of their time there. Here children ready to wave flags at the Queen Mother when she came to open the complex on June 23, 1966. Photo: Peter Tuffrey
7. Royal arrival
The Queen Mother arrives to officially open Sheffield's Hyde Park flats in 1966. When the Queen Mother arrived for the opening she went by lift to the shopping precinct level and the Tenants’ Meeting Hall. There the Lord Mayor presented to her Alderman Harold Lambert, chairman of the Housing Development Committee, and Mrs Lambert, and several local MPs. Photo: National World
8. Excitement
Children wave flags at Sheffield's Hyde Park flats on June 23, 1966, during the Queen Mother's visit. A feast of entertainment was laid on to mark the official opening of the flats, including ‘A Grand Concert’ and a ‘Young People’s Dance’, and culminating with a ‘Spectacular Fireworks Display’ in the ‘Horseshoe’ Arena. Photo: Peter Tuffrey