Opening Moorfoot building tunnel in Sheffield is 'key principal' in conversion to flats
The scheme forms part of wider ambitions to populate the city centre
Plans to open a famous - but never used - tunnel through a huge Sheffield office have been welcomed by Star readers.
Sheffield City Council says the pedestrian route under the Moorfoot building could be opened as a key design principal when it is converted into flats.
The huge block was launched in July 1981. It has long been controversial for being ugly and blocking The Moor's connection with London Road.
A tunnel through it has never been opened to the public on security grounds.
The building is now being touted as a residential project by Sheffield City Council.
Kate Josephs, chief executive of Sheffield City Council, said previously said she was “delighted” to bring the project to market.
She said Moorfoot was a “gateway” that would reconnect key routes and “remove barriers.”
A Sheffield City Council spokesperson told The Star: “Re-establishing connectivity through the area is a key design principle and it is envisaged that the tunnel underneath the Moorfoot building could be developed into a pedestrian route, subject to the development of the selected developer’s final proposals.”
Responding on The Star’s Facebook page, Martin Rapier said: “Perhaps they can find the key to the gates now.”
Gill Barber: “That area was spoilt when that building was put up. Personally I thought it was better with the straight run through from London Road.”
Paul Bower added: “I know there will be different views on this but all the evidence across the world shows that thriving city centres have people living in them all year round.”
Sheffield City Council and government body Homes England have announced preliminary market engagement for the Moorfoot Catalyst Site.
The scheme forms part of wider ambitions to populate the city centre, while strengthening connections from London Road and Ecclesall Road into the heart of the city.
Phase One will focus on the former Wickes site and the landmark Moorfoot Building, alongside new public realm and adjacent retail.
The city council says it has the potential for about 725 homes, including 320 in the Moorfoot Building, as well as commercial, retail and food and beverage space, a new public square and a mobility hub.
At least 10 per cent of homes are expected to be affordable. A formal tender is expected later in 2026.
The authority says keeping the building will retain an estimated 14,400 tonnes of embodied carbon.