Gleadless Valley: Major plans to transform 'left behind' Sheffield estate with new homes, shops and parks

But new plans outlined today aim to completely transform Sheffield’s Gleadless Valley estate, with new housing, shops and parks, making it a place where families want to come and bring up their children.

Sheffield Council has outlined what is has described as the Vision for the Valley project, which will look to work with private enterprise and Government to change things around, after a plan drawn up in 2022 was ditched because the authority did not have the money.

Documents outlining the plans describe the estate as ‘left behind’, and add that crime and anti-social behaviour have added to a feeling of neglect. But they describes big plans to change that.

The Gleadless Valley Regeneration Board, which includes politicians businesses, community leaders and residents, said in a statement on the plans that it wants to create a thriving Sheffield neighbourhood where people choose to live, with local shops and services, easy city access, vibrant community life, and an incredible landscape of parks, woods, streams,and meadows

They said: “That may feel far from today’s reality, but aiming high is essential to attract the investment the valley deserves.”

Under the plans, the work would be paid for by working with housing associations, private developers, central and regional government, the Big Lottery, charitable trusts, and investors.

The major building projects would not be finished until at least 2030, but other more immediate parts of the scheme such as refurbishments and work to stop antisocial behaviour are already funded either completely or 90 per cent completely.

Independent chairman of the regeneration board, Alexis Krachai, said: “This is not just another council plan. It’s a shared statement of intent from everyone working to transform Gleadless Valley—residents, community groups,charities.

“We are and must do some something transformational in Gleadless Valley. “

Sheffield Council leader Tom Hunt added work on the plan would start immediately, to improve homes, clean up the estate, and tackle anti-social behaviour.

But he added: “Our long-term ambition is greater:working in partnership with central government, the Mayor of South Yorkshire, private investors and developers to secure new funding for the valley.

“With the right investment, we can deliver hundreds of new homes, new shops,local services, community centres, improved parks and green spaces, more jobs, businesses, and better public transport—all the essentials of a great place to live.”

Over the next 10 years, the plan is intended to create 1,100 new homes, three new or improved community centres, four new or improved parks as well as create jobs and improve public transport.

A £30m programme to refurbish flats and maisonettes across the estate is already 90 per cent funded, with work ready to start in the next couple of years, as part of a 10 year programme. Money has also been allocated to projects including work to fit solar panels to properties.

There are also proposals to spend £19m, if it can be funded, on using improving access to local woodland to create a Gleadless Valley country park. A report says residents currently report feeling unsafe in the woods, but it is planned that the country park would transform the experience if the funding can be found.

Sheffield Heeley MP Louise Haigh MP, Sheffield Heeley, who is also on the board, said the residents of Gleadless Valley had been waiting for years to see action on the Masterplan .

She added: “This will not be delivered overnight, but residents will start to see the much-needed change they are calling out for.

“I’m proud that this new vision has been created with residents’ voice at its heart. This will not be another plan that sits on the shelves gathering dust, I will ensure that working with the board, community groups and residents that this is delivered and residents of Gleadless Valley see the benefits.”

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There are also several big projects, below which need funding, which are to be worked on over the next five years. Pictures show how they would be expected to look if fully funded.

Newfield Green

There are plans for an £185m transformation of Newfield Green, which is described in the plans as is the valley’s biggest local centre, but as having become run down with some people feeling unsafe there.

Sheffield Council wants to work with developers and housing associations, so that the existing shops and community facilities can be redeveloped, making way for new, high-quality buildings in a leafy centre, as well as a new park.

Gaunt Community Neighbourhood

The area near the John O’Gaunt pub, on Blackstock Road, which would be demolished, would be changed under a £90m project.

Under the plans, new workspaces would be created for community enterprises and small business, shops and cafés along Blackstock Road and around a new park in the middle, with new crossings put in place. Some of the worst homes would be demolished and replaced with new blocks of flats.

Hemsworth Nature Neighbourhood

A £35m scheme would create a small neighbourhood of new homes and community facilities on the site of the old Hemsworth School opposite the Co-Op.

It would be surrounded by a wooded valley, playing field, mature hedgerows and pockets of important natural habitat, and a nature-based playground.

Herdings Family Neighbourhood

The Herdings estate would be part of a £250m scheme to create what the council calls a ‘family neighbourhood’ around Herdings Park and Woodlands Primary School

They would look to create a better park and improved links to the local shops, tram and bus stops.

It would see the creation of a new public square for community events. and better, safer crossings over the dual carriageway.

It would also include new housing on the old Norton Aerodrome, nearby.