Sheffield firefighters put through their paces at Park Hill flats
Firefighters have been put through their paces at Sheffield’s iconic Park Hill flats after being given access to part of the landmark development for a realistic high-rise emergency training exercise.
GMI Construction Group, which is carrying out the latest phase of the Grade II* listed building’s redevelopment, opened up the site to South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to allow crews to practise responding to a fire in an unfamiliar environment.
Two crews attended the fourth phase of the redevelopment, where firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered smoke-filled areas during a simulated emergency involving people potentially trapped on the eighth level.
Crews set up hose lines before carrying them up the stairwells, using water, breathing apparatus and thermal imaging cameras to navigate the building as synthetic smoke reduced visibility.
The exercise presented challenges rarely encountered at conventional training facilities, with Park Hill’s distinctive elevated walkways, external staircases and link bridges, together with areas at different stages of construction, adding to the realism.
Cris Bradley, Watch Manager B of South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Access to realistic training is really important. Because crews are unfamiliar with the environment, it helps bridge the gap between training in controlled conditions and responding to a real incident.
“I’d really like to thank GMI for giving us access to the building. Hopefully, it’s something we’re able to repeat in the future.”
Andy Storrs, GMI’s Senior Project Manager at Park Hill Phase 4, said: “Park Hill has features you wouldn’t encounter on a new-build development, giving the fire service different challenges and increasing their familiarity with the building should they ever have to respond to a real incident here.
“Construction has its own emergency procedures and mandatory drills, so it’s also an opportunity for us to learn.”
Opened in 1961, Park Hill is one of Sheffield’s most recognisable landmarks, famous for its Brutalist architecture and its distinctive ‘streets in the sky’.
The former council housing estate is undergoing a major transformation, with GMI currently refurbishing the Duke Street block on behalf of joint venture partners Urban Splash and Places for People.
The fourth phase will create 125 new homes, 20 per cent of which will be available through affordable tenures, alongside new public realm, electric vehicle charging points, car club facilities and secure cycle storage.
Work is scheduled for completion in spring 2028.