Picture taken in 1994 shows the construction of Supertram on Infirmary Road showing Kelvin flats on the left. Picture: Sheffield Council, Picture SheffieldPicture taken in 1994 shows the construction of Supertram on Infirmary Road showing Kelvin flats on the left. Picture: Sheffield Council, Picture Sheffield
Picture taken in 1994 shows the construction of Supertram on Infirmary Road showing Kelvin flats on the left. Picture: Sheffield Council, Picture Sheffield | Sheffield Council, Picture Sheffield

Sheffield Retro: Pictures show Infirmary Road's massive transformation in 80s and 90s

It was once known for sprawling high rise flats and a major hospital

But just a few years in the 1980s and 1990s transformed Infirmary Road, near Upperthorpe, Sheffield, beyond recognition.

And we have put together a gallery of pictures below to show just how far the street has changed.

There were at least three major changes that were behind the transformation - with Sheffield Infirmary closing, Kelvin Flats being demolished, and supertram being constructed, all within less than 20 years.

The first hospital buildings opened on what’s now Infirmary Road in October 1797, and over the years the site grew and grew.

In 1980, after almost 200 years, the hospital was closed, with services being transferred to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. Some of the hospital buildings were demolished, replaced with a supermarket, although the listed main building still survives.

Meanwhile, the sprawling Kelvin flats complex was 13 storeys high and included facilities such as its own pub. Built in 1967, it was home to thousands.

But the flats were demolished in 1995 – just three years before the era’s other big flats complex, Park Hill, was protected with a Grade II listing.

And as the flats were coming down, the road was being transformed with tramlines as Supertram was constructed.

Take a look at the pictures below and see just how much things have changed.

There were at least three major changes that were behind the transformation - with Sheffield Infirmary closing, Kelvin Flats being demolished, and supertram being constructed, all within less than 20 years.

Related topics:
News you can trust since 1887
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice