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.
13. Royal inspection
The Queen Mother inspects one of the Hyde Park flats in Sheffield Photo: SN
14. Look up
A toddler waves a flag at the Queen Mother at Sheffield's Hyde Park flats during her visit on June 23, 1966. Photo: Peter Tuffrey
15. Rubbish
Hyde Park flats in Sheffield covered in rubbish in February 1986. Photo: National World
16. Demolition
One of the Hyde Park flats blocks in Sheffield comes crashing down on June 2, 1993. The crushed remains of the flats were reputedly used to fill in the city's Hole in the Road subway. Photo: jp