Young urban explorers risking lives for 'likes' at Park Hill flats in Sheffield
“I feel it is inevitable someone will get hurt”
Residents living near Sheffield’s Park Hill flats fear it is “inevitable” someone will be seriously hurt or die as young urban explorers film themselves climbing around derelict buildings for social media ‘likes’.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said footage of young people entering the empty block of flats at the top of South Street is appearing online “every day”.
The resident said: “It is ongoing and escalating.
“We have pretty much always had them in, but recently, due to social media and TikTok, it seems to be escalating.
“I’m worried someone will eventually fall. I’ve had footage from the last few days, every day, new footage.”
The resident said young people could be heard walking on the roofs, sometimes wearing masks, and were also jumping over vents and climbing around the side of the buildings to find ways inside.
“The young kids are so determined, walking round the side of the building to get in - it’s like a big playground to them, they don’t see the danger,” the resident said.
The local added: “It is only a matter of time until one of these kids falls down - and then who is responsible?
“I feel it is inevitable someone will get hurt.
“They also chuck stones at people from up there too.”
“Police or security will come and secure it, and next night they’re back in, and videos are back online,” the resident said.
The situation has caused frustration among residents and nearby businesses, with the resident saying they were “fed up” with contacting local councillors without seeing a permanent solution.
“Restaurants and businesses are frustrated too,” the resident added.
“How many more reports are needed for something permanent to be done?”
The resident said the buildings need to be made secure before attention is focused on developing or selling other parts of the site.
Park Hill is being redeveloped by Urban Splash but the block urban explorers are targeting is owned by Sheffield Council.
The flat complex is the largest Grade II listed building in Europe and was described as "streets in the sky," with its wide walkways outside each home, when it was built.
“Rather than trying to sell a new block, why don’t Urban Splash focus on making this one safe?” the resident said.
South Yorkshire Police said the force is aware of concerns about groups of youths entering a derelict property at the Park Hill estate.
A spokesperson said: “We were called to the area on Tuesday 6 October following reports of a concern for safety for a group of youths. The group left following officers attendance at the scene.
“Officers are in conversation with the owner of the Park Hill estate regarding these concerns and considerations of how to make the site more secure.”
An Urban Splash spokesperson said: “We are aware of the anti-social behaviour and are in touch with Sheffield Council. However, we do not own the land being trespassed on. While we cannot take direct action, we will support where possible.”
Sheffield City Council said they were aware of ongoing incidents, and concerns.
They said despite a range of security measures being implemented individuals have continued to breach the site, resulting in damage to security infrastructure and requiring further remedial works.
The council confirmed they continue to work with partner organisations to review the situation, assess the risks and consider what further measures may be necessary to help prevent unauthorised access.
Park Hill opened in 1961 with 998 flats in four blocks.
It was Grade II listed in 1998 and is the largest listed structure in Europe. The last resident left in the mid 2000s.
Urban Splash started buying blocks of disused accommodation from Sheffield City Council to re-vamp in 2004.
With Places for People, it says it has completed 455 homes, provided accommodation for 356 students and 50,000 sq ft of commercial workspace so far.
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