Developments give a new heart to industrial Kelham Island

It was once the heart of Sheffield industry, but Kelham Island is finding a new reputation as a trendy city centre suburb.
Little Kelham.Little Kelham.
Little Kelham.

Where factories once stood, flats and homes are now being built, mixing the latest construction methods with nods to the area’s heritage.

Nowhere is the change more apparent than in the Little Kelham development.

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Leeds-based developer Citu is transforming the former Eagle Works and Green Lane Works into an estate of modern eco-homes aimed at young professionals and families.

Once completed, it will comprise 153 one- to four-bedroom homes plus creative spaces, shops and cafes.

Every house is ‘digitally enabled’ – meaning residents can control their energy use from a phone or tablet. They are insulated so heat created by appliances, people and even pets is not lost.

The redevelopment of the 1835-built Eagle Works into office space is a key task at the moment, and Citu hopes to start speaking to prospective tenants shortly. The conversion should be finished by Christmas.

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Little Kelham
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Writing on the company’s website, a spokesman said: “We’d like to see a vibrant mix of businesses, everything from creative businesses looking to take the next step in their evolution, to independent companies with a leisure offering which is far from run-of-the-mill.”

Nearby the Grade II-listed Cornish Works is up for sale. According to agent Fernie Greaves, it could be turned into a £15 million mixed use development of flats, offices, shops, a pub and a restaurant.

Adding to the modern feel is Krynkl, a pioneering development off Shalesmoor made from shipping containers. Due to open on December 1, there is only one unit not yet taken. Among the confirmed tenants are Jöro, a Nordic-themed restaurant focusing on local ingredients, and Freshly Squeezed, an events planning firm.

The influx of residents and workers is beginning to turn Kelham Island into a community. New restaurants and cafes, such as The Bhaji Shop, complement the area’s famous real ale pubs such as The Fat Cat.

Krynkl.Krynkl.
Krynkl.
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And while Kelham Island is still slightly separate from the city centre, that is likely to change. Huge student flat complexes are planned for the St Vincent’s area, around Hollis Croft, along with the £175 million West Bar Square scheme, with up to 700,000 sq ft of office space and 500,000 sq ft of residential apartments with restaurants, cafés, shops.

The area’s rise was recognised earlier this year when it was named among the top places to live in Britain by the Sunday Times.

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