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.
17. Nearly gone
Demolition under way at Sheffield's Hyde Park flats on December 16, 1991 Photo: JP
18. Farewell
Onlookers watch as a wing of Sheffield's Hyde Park flats is demolished on March 2, 1992 Photo: National World
19. Gone
The award-winning Hyde Park flats complex in Sheffield was widely regarded as the vanguard of British municipal architecture when it was completed in 1965. But the popularity of the so-called village in the sky soon faded and some disillusioned families christened it Alcatraz after the infamous American prison. This photo shows one of the blocks being demolished on June 2, 1993. Photo: National World