Opening plan for £25 million Castlegate announced as new images show how Sheffield park will look

This is how the new Castlegate park in Sheffield will look.

Sheffield Council has released new images of the delayed £25 million venue, which is currently under construction, which they are describing as Castle Hill Park.

But it has revealed that it will not be competed for nearly two years.

The former Sheffield Castle site is being turned into a park after an £18m Levelling Up grant in 2021.

Since then, higher costs and an expanded programme have seen the bill rise to £25m, after new archaeology was found, leading to a redesign, which is shown in the new picture.

The project is creating a park with the castle remains on show, a 500-capacity events space. The River Sheaf is being opened up for the first time since 1912.

Sheffield Council announced that it now expects the park and the River Sheaf works are expected to be completed together by summer 2028.

They added the financial implications of the revised programme are currently being assessed with a further update to follow through the council’s appropriate governance process.

Councillor Alexi Dimond, Chair of Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee, said Castle Hill Park would be a focal point for Sheffield for years to come and it was important to get it right, so that future generations could experience the site in its historical context and learn about the birthplace of their city.

He said: “While we know people are eager to see the new park completed, we’re taking the time to respond to the unique challenges that are presented as part of working on the site at Castlegate. This careful approach to our city’s heritage has added complexity to the project and means the park will open later than originally anticipated.

“This allows us to make sure that the finished Castle Hill Park is true to the vision that we originally set out to achieve when we first began this project and really showcase the history that sits on the site.

“Alongside this, we're continuing to make strong progress with the restoration of the River Sheaf and the wider regeneration of Castlegate. Together, these projects will help transform this historic part of the city centre, creating new opportunities for people to connect with Sheffield's past while supporting its future."

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