Neepsend is caught between Sheffield's past and future - and local businesses are paying the price
There are grand plans for the area’s future, but these changes are sacrificing the longstanding businesses that have kept those neighbourhoods alive
Massive changes to one of Sheffield’s historically industrial districts are leaving local businesses in the lurch, as the council tries to balance it’s plans for the city’s future and commitment to hardworking people.
Last week I had the opportunity to speak to a number of business owners in the Neepsend area of Sheffield and all of them told me the same story - they feel forgotten.
It comes after years of traffic schemes to pedestrianise the area, and neighbouring Kelham Island, leave these traditional businesses that have been in place for decade feeling forced out of a place they call home.
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And while they hope to see certain decisions reversed and the area become more car-friendly, fundamentally they are getting lost in Sheffield’s plans for the future.
Neepsend is a distinctly industrial area, its and Kelham Island’s history are tied directly to the steel works.
However after decades of de-industrialisation across the county, these neighbourhoods have been left out to dry.
The grand idea now appears to turn them into trendy tourist spots, fitted with fancy new pubs and food courts to attract the coveted ‘night time economy’.
And ultimately, I do think this is working.
Kelham Island is pretty spectacular, I love visiting the area and these newer businesses seem to be thriving - with place like Cutlery Works now celebrating their eight birthday.
However, local business owners tell me this is only part of the picture, that weekends continue to be busy but during the week it’s a ghost town.
It puts the council in a precarious position of how they want Sheffield to look in 10 years time.
For however successful some of these rejuvenation project are - the Heart of the City development near Pinstone Street strikes me as a similar change designed for modern hospitality venues - we have to remember that these long-standing industrial businesses are paying the price.
Sheffield may be great, but it is not London, Liverpool, or - if we’re being honest - even Leeds.
It is not a city that can thrive on visitors and hospitality alone. We need the foundation of these hardworking local businesses.
So as we look to the future of Neepsend, which will seemingly be populated by towering flat blocks and quirky cafes, don’t forget about the businesses that have kept the area alive through thick and thin.