Sheffield city centre bustle gives Park Hill flats-based boss 'reassurance' life will get back to normal

Nick Bax, managing director of Human Studio, said the city views, and the bustle in the complex, which is home to more than 700 people and 10 businesses, meant he’d enjoyed it despite often being alone in the office.

Human Studio, a creative agency that works in animation, branding, film, music, virtual reality, websites and exhibitions, was the first business to move into Grade-II listed Park Hill, eight years ago in February 2013.

He said: “When other workplaces feel empty Park Hill is still vibrant. I can still look at the city and see things happening.

“It gave me a sense of reassurance that things can go back and be okay again.

“It gives me security and shows it’s a home - even for a business - qualities you need in a year like this. I can’t think of anywhere else where the past, present and future collide so much.

“Park Hill has become embedded in ethos of our company. As it has become more prominent it has been used for locations such as Doctor Who in 2018 - people who watched the programme such as our clients say ‘look that’s Nick’s office’. Dr Who was an added bonus as I personally loved the show as a kid. It made my year.”

Another firm, Kada Research, has been at Park Hill since February 2016. It undertakes social and economic research and is 10 years old this year.

Owner Karl Dalgleish he appreciated the sense of community through a group email with other businesses, having South Street Kitchen on the doorstep and seeing residents.

Phase 2 of the revamp is creating 195 more flats, with people due to move in later this year. It is a joint venture between Urban Splash and Places for People.

Guy Ackernley, on behalf of the joint venture, said: “There is such a mix of people and generations living there who have all had to accommodate new ways of adapting to living and working from home, and in many cases home schooling too.”

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