Sheffield MP Abtisam Mohamed calls for Hallam University halls to be sold for social housing
“While I recognise that housing development is likely to form part of the future use of the site, it is important that this includes a meaningful proportion of genuinely affordable homes.”
Sheffield university halls should be brought back to life as affordable or social housing an MP has said.
The six-floor Woodville block on Broomhall Road is purpose-built residential accommodation but has been disused for more than a decade.
It is being sold in a clear-out of buildings on Collegiate Campus.
Now, Sheffield Central MP Abtisam Mohamed wants to see it become homes for people who “might be priced out of the area.”
In a letter to university bosses, Abtisam Mohamed, said: “The release of land at Collegiate Campus presents an important opportunity to help address Sheffield's housing needs.
“While I recognise that housing development is likely to form part of the future use of the site, it is important that this includes a meaningful proportion of genuinely affordable homes.
“In particular, the Woodville site appears well suited to social and affordable housing provision, offering an opportunity to deliver homes for local people who might otherwise be priced out of the area.
“The proposed conversion and redevelopment of the Woodville hall site should therefore actively consider how it can contribute towards meeting local housing need.
“At a time when housing affordability remains a significant challenge for many residents, it is important that redevelopment delivers clear social value as well as commercial return.”
The 1960s block is in Broomhall Conservation area and is surrounded by stone-built Victorian villas.
Broom Hall, at 8–10 Broomhall Road, is a Grade II* listed 500-year-old former house, now used as offices.
In her letter, Abtisam Mohamed said she was most concerned about how the principles emerging from consultation would be safeguarded once the site was sold.
“Community groups have rightly questioned how future purchasers and developers will be required to adhere to the priorities identified through engagement with residents, stakeholders and the local authority.
“Concerns have been raised that aspirations regarding green space, heritage, public access and affordable housing could be diluted once the land passes into private ownership.
“I therefore strongly encourage Sheffield Hallam University to ensure that these priorities are embedded within the disposal process itself. Whether through legally binding conditions of sale, restrictive covenants, development briefs, contractual obligations or other appropriate mechanisms, there should be clear safeguards that ensure future developers are required to take account of the principles established through this consultation process.
“Residents will rightly expect assurances that commitments made now will continue to influence the site's future long after the university's involvement ends.
“The future of the Collegiate Campus presents an opportunity to deliver much-needed housing while protecting the heritage, environmental and community assets that make the site valuable to local people.
“I encourage Sheffield Hallam University to ensure that the preservation of green space, the protection of public footpaths, the retention of heritage assets and the delivery of genuinely affordable housing are embedded within both future plans and the terms of disposal for the site.
“Doing so would provide confidence that redevelopment will reflect the interests of the local community while delivering positive outcomes for Sheffield as a whole.”
Sheffield Hallam plans to sell eight mansions on Collegiate Crescent, and, on Broomhall Road, Woodville former student accommodation and a Victorian lodge, the former Lynda Ellis nursery which closed in 2018.
It expects most will go for housing, but some could be used for business or healthcare. A consultation has been launched ahead of the first sales from 2028.
It comes after the the majority of teaching was moved into Sheffield city centre following the launch of the £140m City Campus.
The cash-strapped university must also save £30m this year, on top of £40m in 2025.
A Sheffield Hallam University spokesperson said: “We recognise that Collegiate is an important part of Sheffield, located within the Broomhall Conservation Area and with a distinctive green and historic character that people value.
“We want to be a good neighbour and engage openly throughout this process. Therefore, we have and continue to actively seek and welcome the views of residents, community representatives, our staff and students. This will help us develop a shared set of priorities for the sites and make clear what we expect from any future purchaser.
“Releasing these sites provides an opportunity for these distinctive spaces to make a different contribution to the local area, while generating funds that can be reinvested in teaching and learning.”
Responding on The Star’s Facebook page, Christine Francis said: “Any empty building should be considered. There’s a housing crisis don’t you know?”
Simon Tongue agreed, with a couple of caveats: “If they can be turned into living places in an affordable way and given to the people that need it.”
Anjum Kiani was clear: “This an empty building with potential for excellent housing. Excellent idea.”