Officials reveal what could soon replace doomed John O'Gaunt pub, as pictures show demolition underway
Officials behind plans to regenerate Sheffield’s Gleadless Valley have explained what could soon replace the John O’Gaunt pub, as demolition starts on the building.
Sheffield Council says the pub is being knocked down so that they can carry out plans to make the Gaunt Shopping Centre, near Blackstock Road, into a big focal point of one of the main community hubs for the area.
MHH Contracting Limited has moved on-site to start the demolition, which is expected to take around three-to-four weeks.
Now the Gleadless Valley Regeneration Board has revealed the findings of a consultation exercise over the future of the ground which the pub previously occupied.
Research was carried out by the 189 Project, based near to the pub.
As a result, more than 100 responses were received both on paper and online, after people were asked if they would sooner have a fenced and supervised youth space, a traditional open-access playground, a community garden or nature area, or just a grassed open space.
The results showed a preference for a fenced and supervised youth space, followed by a traditional open-access playground. Planning permission will be needed before that can happen.
While this is only a temporary addition to the site, if it proves successful and is well-used then a permanent home will be found further down the line, say officials.
Developer Horticon recently started building a new pocket park near Holy Cross Church, in a separate development.
Alexis Krachai, Independent Chair of the Gleadless Valley Regeneration Board, said: "It is fantastic to have two projects like this begin so close to each other so that the residents of Gleadless Valley can begin to see real change in the landscape.
"We have said all along that community partnership is key to getting these projects off the ground. Thank you to The 189 Project for assisting us with that."
‘Jock’ Stevenson, Gleadless Valley Food Bank service manager and Gleadless Valley Regeneration Board member, said: "Services that call the area around Gaunt Shopping Precinct home will really benefit from a rejuvenated site that will bring even more of the community here.”
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“We encourage everyone to come and take part in consultations like the one held to decide the temporary future of this site so that even more residents can be involved in the regeneration of the Valley."
The Gleadless Valley Regeneration Board would also like to reflect the rich history of the John O’Gaunt pub and what it meant to the community. Anyone who would like to get involved in capturing and commemorating this history is invited to email the regeneration team working on the project.