Heart of the City II: construction starts on landmark Pounds Park in Sheffield city centre

Construction has begun on a new landmark public park in Sheffield city centre which was named after the city’s first chief fire officer.
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Pounds Park will be completed and open in about nine months time following work by local firm Henry Boot Construction.

The green space located on the former fire station site between Rockingham Street, Wellington Street and Carver Street is the latest phase of Sheffield Council’s Heart of the City II scheme.

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Councillor Mazher Iqbal, executive member for regeneration, and Tony Shaw, of Henry Boot Construction, at the site of Pounds Park in Sheffield city centre.Councillor Mazher Iqbal, executive member for regeneration, and Tony Shaw, of Henry Boot Construction, at the site of Pounds Park in Sheffield city centre.
Councillor Mazher Iqbal, executive member for regeneration, and Tony Shaw, of Henry Boot Construction, at the site of Pounds Park in Sheffield city centre.
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Councillor Mazher Iqbal, executive member for city futures: development, culture and regeneration, said it will bring Sheffield’s Outdoor City ethos to the heart of the city centre, creating a dedicated space for every day use as well as outdoor events.

He added: “We’re delighted to see Pound’s Park getting under way. It’s beautifully designed and provides another world-class public space to further complement the Peace Gardens, Charter Square and improvements taking place in Castlegate to introduce new vibrancy and greenery to that historic area.

“Pound’s Park will provide a new focal point for families and will help improve both the physical and mental wellbeing of city centre visitors, workers and residents. By prioritising walking and cycling, the park also demonstrates the council’s commitment to encouraging active lifestyles and sustainable travel.”

Features will include a climbing boulder, a water play area and a kiosk for coffee, ice cream and other snacks.

Heart of the City Progress 10-12-21 overlooking the Pounds Park site.Heart of the City Progress 10-12-21 overlooking the Pounds Park site.
Heart of the City Progress 10-12-21 overlooking the Pounds Park site.
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Henry Boot Construction, which has a more than 130 year history, has delivered projects including Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, the Cambridge Street collective and Barnsley Market.

Tony Shaw, managing director for the firm, said: “We are delighted to be appointed on Pound’s Park and add it to our growing portfolio within the city. Working on a game-changing green space in The Outdoor City feels particularly special to us.

“The concept of city centres, and how we use them today, continues to change rapidly. With more people choosing to live and work in the city centre, we understand the pivotal role that public spaces and green landscaping play in enhancing wellbeing and sustainability.”

A car park that was located on the site is now permanently closed.

John Charles Pound was superintendent of Sheffield Fire Brigade for 26 yearsJohn Charles Pound was superintendent of Sheffield Fire Brigade for 26 years
John Charles Pound was superintendent of Sheffield Fire Brigade for 26 years

Why is it called Pounds Park?

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The development was named after Superintendent John Charles Pound, who became Sheffield’s first chief fire officer in 1869.

The old fire station that was at the site was demolished around 2010 when South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue moved to a new building on Eyre Street, where it is currently based.

A campaign group at the time called for the building to be saved and used as an arts centre or interim housing for the homeless.

Pounds Park plans for Sheffield city centre.Pounds Park plans for Sheffield city centre.
Pounds Park plans for Sheffield city centre.

But councillor Colin Ross, the then cabinet member for employment, enterprise and development, said demolition was the only sensible option and the space would eventually be used in the Sevenstone development that was later scrapped and replaced with the Sheffield Retail Quarter project.

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In 2009, he told the BBC: “It is a unique design as a fire station – a hexagonal structure with a lot of internal corridors and supporting walls which would be hard to adapt. We don’t want a derelict building decaying in the heart of the city – that would certainly send the wrong message.”