Hows about a new 'dedicated' thread on this to mark this pivotal moment in the city centres history...

The new development will change the city centre skyline forever and will be seen for miles!

START ON SITE FOR NEXT PHASE OF HEART OF THE CITY

Work on the next phase of the award-winning Heart of the City scheme will get underway next week as the multi-storey car park, Office No.2 and the 9- and 32-storey residential towers all start on site.

(Borrowed) BASIC RENDER (for scale purposes)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y257/Steelcityrise/9707203d.jpg

DETAILED RENDER
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/1884ArundelGateBlock1_pic5.jpg

Construction of the new 520-space car park, set to become one of Sheffield’s most eye-catching buildings with its unique, highly-faceted aluminium cladding, will necessitate closure of the surface car parks at the corner of Charles Street and Norfolk Street from Sunday 2nd July. Although this will cause some short-term inconvenience, the additional spaces created by the new car park, due for completion by the end of 2007, are vital for the city. Alternative car parking may be found at the existing multi-storey car park off Furnival Gate and the surface car parks at Eyre Street and Sidney Street.

Sheffield One Chief Executive, Andy Topley, said: “Heart of the City so far has had a huge impact on both the face and fortune of the city centre, providing stunning new public realm and significant economic benefits in terms of investment, higher rental levels and jobs. The next phase of the scheme will build on this success, bringing more premium office space to meet the ever- growing demand in the city, fantastic new apartments and more much-needed car parking, all of which will further stimulate the local economy.”

Adjacent to the car park, the elegant, Conran-designed 32-storey residential tower will be Sheffield’s tallest building and a landmark in the city centre. Tony Brooks, group development director at City Lofts, developers of the residential scheme, said: "After all the careful planning and design we are looking forward to seeing construction of the towers begin. The first phase of St Paul's Place has already proved its worth commercially and we are confident that these stylish apartments will be a valuable addition, encouraging the growing trend for city living which makes such an important contribution to urban regeneration.”

Councillor Robert MacDonald, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Culture and Planning at Sheffield City Council said: “The start of construction work on the next phase of St Paul’s Place is an important milestone in the Heart of the City project and marks the beginning of further transformation and further investment. The new multi-storey car park is a crucial part of our strategy to provide a number of new gold standard car parks in accessible sectors of the city centre.”

David Topham, Director of CTP St James Ltd, the overall developers of St Paul’s Place, added: “With so much regeneration activity going on this is an exhilarating time to be in Sheffield and St Paul’s Place goes from strength to strength. The new office space, apartments and car park will show the same high quality and imagination as the rest of the scheme and will bring a new dimension to Sheffield’s skyline.”

Your views? (pardon the pun)

have u seen the beetham tower in manchester now that is tall :help:

Its a mini Beetham! (171m vs. 101m) Afterall, this thread isnt dedicated to other projects in other cities. Or did I not make that clear?

I will shortly go and have my lunch in St Pauls in a pleasant and sunny environment. One of the last opportunities to do so before it is permanently overshadowed by this wonder of the 21st century.

Personally, I think from that picture it's going to look a little odd stuck there in the middle of Sheffield's skyline... in fact, that pic almost makes it look like some min-reconstruction of the World Trade Centre towers!?

What are they building on the site where the sheaf market used to be? I went to park my car their the other day and was surprised to see a building half erected (i don`t get down that end much)

What are they building on the site where the sheaf market used to be? I went to park my car their the other day and was surprised to see a building half erected (i don`t get down that end much)

It's going to be a Hotel and Travellodge will be occupying it. Next door to this is an office block and it is all part of a development called 'the Square'. There is a website showing the development but i can't find it at the minue as i am work.

Not sure what I think really. I do like the idea of a high rise sheffield but I enjoy sitting in the sun outside the winter gardens and I'm sure this would be affected by less light :(

I just hope it doesn't feel chlostrophobic sitting in that sq.

Well said bigflesh.

This tower is pivotal in the status of sheffield. It will be about three times the height of the Hallam university 12 storey building across the road. Absolutely enormous. I have a good idea that I will be able to see the top of it clearly from woodseats! But enormous as it is, there are towers being built in London that are twice as high again, in world terms it is a tiddler, at least it brings us into the 21st century

It does look very out of place in that picture, perhaps it will look better in real life, I guess it depends on how it's constructed, mostly glass would be ok, mostly brick/concrete will look horrible,

Cant quite understand whats so wonderful about a monotomous grey block that will be full of Hallam University students a couple of years after its built!

It seems to be a big bland tower of no special significance other than that it is taller than other buildings. It is completely out of place in Sheffield and will spoil Sheffields only real unique feature, that is is a low rise city full of trees and open spaces. If it was in some way interesting, such as aunique shape or design, or it was one the tallest building in the world then it would be different. As it is, we have something fairly insignificant that will stand out like a sore thumb but add nothing.

Cheers Muddy!

I feel that it will fit well. Remember theres a carpark and 2 other office blocks going up alongside, so these will form a sort of base cluster atop the hill.

From certain perspectives and locations it will certainly look taller. For example, the view from the Train Station, bottom of Howard Street should offer some rewarding views.

Will it definately be grey!? hope not

It seems to be a big bland tower of no special significance other than that it is taller than other buildings.

Agreed, maybe this render will help...

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/1884ArundelGateBlock1_pic5.jpg

infact, the more i look at it I think it looks crap!:rant:

to be honest, you couldnt have picked a worse pic to use, isnt it ever sunny in sheff!?

infact, the more i look at it I think it looks crap!:rant:

to be honest, you couldnt have picked a worse pic to use, isnt it ever sunny in sheff!?

you want sunshine? I'll give you sunshine. Sunshine.

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/1884ArundelGateBlock1_pic5.jpg

you want sunshine? I'll give you sunshine. Sunshine.

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/1884ArundelGateBlock1_pic5.jpg

that looks much better.

that looks much better.

Better than what? An even taller bland building that would blight an even bigger area?

you want sunshine? I'll give you sunshine. Sunshine.

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/1884ArundelGateBlock1_pic5.jpg

now you're talkin!!

like it

Better than what?

Most of the other apartment blocks that have been built. In that picture it looks quite narrow, so from certain angles it won't actually have that much bulk.

Just what Sheffield needs - more appartment blocks.

Considering so many lie empty already, one wonders who on earth, apart from optimistic property developers, is actually going to buy them. Sheffield is a city with a town centre. The 'city living' tag is a fallacy.

I would add that this is not an anti Sheffield tirade, more a statement of fact. I am all for the city centre being redeveloped, but I just dont see the point of this particular development, unless it appeals to people who want to brag about living in the tallest building in Sheffield.

Maybe HSBC could use the building for their offices, thus flattening the grey monstrosity they currently use, which in turn could be used to create a good mix of retail units and affordable housing.

It looks awful. The council want stringing up for allowing it and the Architect needs to go back to school and maybe try picking up some new design skills.
High Rise blocks knocked down elsewhere because they are a blot on the landscape...new High rise block built in town..go figure.:loopy:

why can't something be built for sheffielders and not southern yuppies?

Most of the other apartment blocks that have been built. In that picture it looks quite narrow, so from certain angles it won't actually have that much bulk.

The angle where it will have bulk is the angle you're looking from if you're by the silver balls, in the Peace gardens or in the Winter garden.

Agreed, maybe this render will help...

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/1884ArundelGateBlock1_pic5.jpg

That is certainly better. I still think that we are being second best all the time by simply building upwards but not quite as much as Manchester or Leeds.

Just what Sheffield needs - more appartment blocks.

Considering so many lie empty already, one wonders who on earth, apart from optimistic property developers, is actually going to buy them. Sheffield is a city with a town centre. The 'city living' tag is a fallacy.

I would add that this is not an anti Sheffield tirade, more a statement of fact.

I feel that we are simply laying the foundations for bigger things to come. The economics are right, the demand is there (albeit, not initially) and these things do take time to come to fruition (post development). I'm no expert but (maybe) for example - by year 3 post development, a 60% uptake is factored in to the development costs? I certainly know that developments such as these attract onward investment and growth in other areas. I certainly would not expect such a development to be 100% occupied from day one. But the scope (capacity) is there and surley the economic climate fits. Additionally, this is private sector funded, so we don't spend a penny! Which is nice.

My opinion - this is the latest in the series of ill concieved ugly buildings that Sheffield Council has decided will "modernise" the city.
The "new" town hall of the seventies had precisely these arguements put forward about why it was so good, and where is that now???
The Manpower Services Building at the foot of The Moor only served to be a barrier between the bottom of The Moor and the end of London Road, resulting in the decline of both as shopping areas. (I bet the old S&E Co op were just delighted at being isolated from the town centre like they were)
Sheffield used to have a landmark that was known all around the world when it had the "hole in the road" so what did the council do? - fill it in and put a tram stop on top of it!!!!:rant: :rant: :rant:
So, a couple of new ugly towers are going up in the city, woop di doo, now my beloved Sheffield can look just like every other major city in the country, and lose even more of its' individuality and charm!

why can't something be built for sheffielders and not southern yuppies?

eh? :confused:

I like it!!

Whilst most like it, I am puzzled why some cannot seem to grasp the concept of progress.

Sheffield used to have a landmark that was known all around the world when it had the "hole in the road" so what did the council do? - fill it in and put a tram stop on top of it!!!!:rant: :rant: :rant:



All I remember about the hole in road was it had a strong stench of urine, there was always sick in the underpasses and it seemed like a very unpleasant place to be. I can see why it's reputation was global ;) lol

So, a couple of new ugly towers are going up in the city, woop di doo, now my beloved Sheffield can look just like every other major city in the country, and lose even more of its' individuality and charm!

Surley it has to evolve and change to survive this go-getter, competitive period we live in? As for individuality and charm, its still got it. The people see to that.

Whilst most like it, I am puzzled why some cannot seem to grasp the concept of progress.
I like the idea, and the concept...just not the scheme itself and it's appearance. Hopefully it will be used to it's full potential unlike a lot of other apartment buildings which still have empty space to let.

I have no problem with architectural progress - if it is well thought through, aesthetically pleasing and has an eye to its' future use and longevity. I do not think these slabs have any of these qualities.

Whilst most like it, I am puzzled why some cannot seem to grasp the concept of progress.

It is because we don't accept that everything is progress. Progress can come in many ways without simply being a slightly smaller building than in Manchester or Leeds. Progress might be a large low building with parks and trees on top or extending the pedestrian area all the way to Hunters bar. All daft ideas, I know, but just having one bland, not that tall, building isn't very imaginative at all.

It is because we don't accept that everything is progress. Progress can come in many ways without simply being a slightly smaller building than in Manchester or Leeds. Progress might be a large low building with parks and trees on top or extending the pedestrian area all the way to Hunters bar. All daft ideas, I know, but just having one bland, not that tall, building isn't very imaginative at all.

But this is part of a bigger scheme...

A world-class new square, the Peace Gardens - designed to display the town Hall as the most important building fronting the square. The Peace Gardens will be completed by the new hotel and offices, re-establishing the building line of the old Norfolk Street and providing animation with lively ground floors. In additional elongated public square - linking Tudor Square to Charles Street and the Peace Gardens to Arundel Gate via the Millenium Galleries. Part of this space will be covered for inclement weather. The Winter Garden - the covered section of the new elongated square and conceived by the architects as a beautifully planted public space, flanked and enlivened by the cafés and restaurants fo the hotel and the Galleries. It was intended to be partly hidden and 'discovered' by catching glimpses of it from the Peace Gardens, thereby encouraging people to walk through. The Commerical Development - aimed from the outset at attracting inward investors and retaining business in the city. It will include grade A offices and a 4/5 star hotel with a conference centre, filling a gap in sheffield's visitor and conference market.

Sheffield used to have a landmark that was known all around the world when it had the "hole in the road" so what did the council do? - fill it in and put a tram stop on top of it!!!!:rant: :rant: :rant:


If a hole in the ground (used mainly as a rubbish dump and late night open-air toilet) was our greatest landmark then we were in trouble.

I feel that we are simply laying the foundations for bigger things to come. The economics are right, the demand is there (albeit, not initially) and these things do take time to come to fruition (post development). I'm no expert but (maybe) for example - by year 3 post development, a 60% uptake is factored in to the development costs? I certainly know that developments such as these attract onward investment and growth in other areas. I certainly would not expect such a development to be 100% occupied from day one. But the scope (capacity) is there and surley the economic climate fits. Additionally, this is private sector funded, so we don't spend a penny! Which is nice.

I would like to share you optimistic view, but dont see how or where this high end growth is coming from.

Unlike Leeds or Manchester, there simply isnt the economic infrastructure and growth of well paid jobs (and thats the real key here) coming into the city centre. All the call centres and retail units in the world are not going to create or bring in people who can afford these types of places. A conservative guess for one of these flats would have to be anywhere between £100,000 (for a shoe box) and £350,000 pounds when completed. I have a good network of friends in Sheffield and dont know anyone who earns more than £30,000 a year.

I would loved to be proved wrong, but I really cant see it.

On the other hand, I wouldnt mind buying the penthouse block at the top. You'd have women flocking round you in Revolution like footballers wives round a photographer.

But this is part of a bigger scheme...

a world-class new square, the Peace Gardens - designed to display the town Hall as the most important building fronting the square. The Peace Gardens will be completed by the new hotel and offices, re-establishing the building line of the old Norfolk Street and providing animation with lively ground floors. In additional elongated public square - linking Tudor Square to Charles Street and the Peace Gardens to Arundel Gate via the Millenium Galleries. Part of this space will be covered for inclement weather. The Winter Garden - the covered section of the new elongated square and conceived by the architects as a beautifully planted public space, flanked and enlivened by the cafés and restaurants fo the hotel and the Galleries. It was intended to be partly hidden and 'discovered' by catching glimpses of it from the Peace Gardens, thereby encouraging people to walk through. The Commerical Development - aimed from the outset at attracting inward investors and retaining business in the city. It will include grade A offices and a 4/5 star hotel with a conference centre, filling a gap in sheffield's visitor and conference market.


My argument when anything like this crops up is to pose a question. When all this is done and you ask someone (an outsider) what their impression of Sheffield is, what will they reply? I often ask people when I am away on business what their impression od Sheffield is. The replies I get are that it is a large town full of steelworks with shops at Meadowhall. When this new development is done, what will change about the reply? If we did something really stunning and world shattering then people all over the country and the world would hear about Sheffield where you go for the .........

I have no idea what that something is, but it isn't more shops and 30 story blocks of flats. Even the winter gardens are fankly very unimpressive, had they have been 10 times the size then that might have done the job.

As a bit of a skyscraper enthusiast I'm quite excited about this building. Ok, it's not as spectacular as some the recent additions to skylines of other cities eg Manchester, Birmingham etc - but it's still a big step forward for Sheffield. I'm quite disappointed with the negative attitudes on this thread - let's see if your opinions change when it is actually built...

If a hole in the ground (used mainly as a rubbish dump and late night open-air toilet) was our greatest landmark then we were in trouble.
The problem here was surely lack of policeing. Agreed it got into this state towards the end, but only because of the lack of a security presence and the decline which followed it. So the council fail us twice - once by allowing it to get into this state, and secondly by then demolishing it.
Alternatively should all those of us who dislike these new high rise slabs simply go and urinate on them as a way to persuade the powers that be to demolish them!! (irony, not incitement)

Judging from the positioning of it, it could blot out most of the late afternoon sun in the winter all the way up to pinstone street, including putting the winter gardens and the peace gardens in the shade.

Also in terms of absolute height, I think it will still be lower than the arts tower, but it will dominate the whole area between arundel gate and the station.

I agree with Kenh, I think progress comes in many forms, and not just taller buildings.

Not progressive enough!

The hole in the road could have stayed, perhaps with a domed roof, but it was terribly outdated and shoddy looking.

Not progressive enough!

Progression comes with its limitations? Cost?

eh? :confused:

Will any sheffielders live in them

Will any sheffielders live in them

There are rich people in Sheffield you know.

There are rich people in Sheffield you know.
and usually not born here

and usually not born here

They are, Hallam is packed full of them.

and usually not born here

This is a local shop, for local people. Forgive me for drawing parallels with Royston Vasey, here.

Can we keep this on topic please and not use this thread as slanging territory for discriminitive behaviour towards others.

Thanks.

This is a local shop, for local people. Forgive me for drawing parallels with Royston Vasey, here.

Can we keep this on topic please?

this is totally to do with the topic.Yet another high rise apartment block with stupidly expensive properties that your average sheffielder will not be able to afford and never use. What use is a 32 storey monstrosity to me!?

will you be buying on big flesh?? i wonder

Anyone got any idea on prices?

will you be buying on big flesh?? i wonder

I would, but I am merely a pauper in my pre-1960's bidonville abode.

Anyone got any idea on prices?

Put it this way. The most expensive pad in west one goes for about £325,000.

The average two bedder in Sheffield city centre (between 700 and 950 square feet) goes for between £145k and £190k.

Considering this is a "landmark" building, you can whack an extra 20 or 30k on that for a start.

I genuinely wouldnt be shcoked if the penthouse sh@g pad went for half a million.

Judging from the positioning of it, it could blot out most of the late afternoon sun in the winter all the way up to pinstone street, including putting the winter gardens and the peace gardens in the shade.


Phan, I did some digging and came up with this... hope it helps

One of the concerns was the overshadowing of the Winter Gardens. The planning department commissioned an independent study which showed a net 5% reduction in direct sunlight into the gardens, the shadow of the tower passes over between 12 and 1.00pm. The study was conducted by the consultants who did the original planting for the gardens who concluded that there would be no significant effect on the plants.

I genuinely wouldnt be shcoked if the penthouse sh@g pad went for half a million.

Do you wanna go two's up on it? I'll sell my Y-registered Cavalier. It never got me much luck anyway.

Yet another high rise apartment block with stupidly expensive properties that your average sheffielder will not be able to afford and never use.

How can you say that?! There are plenty of people in Sheffield that could get a mortgage to pay for these flats. You don't have to be rich to afford a £150,000 mortgage, you know!!

Who cares if the 'average Sheffielder' can't afford it? There are plenty of other places in the city that the average Sheffielder can, but probably not many quality apartments that would appeal to the target audience in the case of this tower.

I see this building as a carrot, to lure a more professional skilled worker. If Sheffield has more of these maybe, just maybe, it will start to attract big business.

This city has to move with the times. Too many people criticise the council but looking at some posts on here it seems the population are just as bad.

I am saddened for those who's sunlight will be blocked out by this tower, but surely there are other places to go for your lunch? Walking around Manchester I do encounter areas of shade caused by some of the big towers, but it's hardly putting the city in perpetual darkness a-la Independence Day or that episode of The Simpsons when Mr Burns unveils the sun blocker and gets shot. I think people must get their priorities right and put the city first.

Who cares if the 'average Sheffielder' can't afford it? There are plenty of other places in the city that the average Sheffielder can, but probably not many quality apartments that would appeal to the target audience in the case of this tower.

I see this building as a carrot, to lure a more professional skilled worker. If Sheffield has more of these maybe, just maybe, it will start to attract big business.

^^^
Well said, that man. My sentiments exactly.


This city has to move with the times. Too many people criticise the council but looking at some posts on here it seems the population are just as bad.


^^^
Well, the SF community anyway (probably not a true reflection of a population in excess on half a million)


or that episode of The Simpsons when Mr Burns unveils the sun blocker and gets shot.


^^PMSL^^

Personally, I think from that picture it's going to look a little odd stuck there in the middle of Sheffield's skyline... in fact, that pic almost makes it look like some min-reconstruction of the World Trade Centre towers!?

It does Lucy, you're right.

How can you say that?! There are plenty of people in Sheffield that could get a mortgage to pay for these flats. You don't have to be rich to afford a £100,000 mortgage, you know!!

For £100,000 you'd be lucky to a studio. And who wants to fork out £650 a month on mortgage payments to live in a box.

Cynicism aside, I do genunely hope that is brings prosperity and wealth to the city.

Cynicism abound, I predict a **** load of glossy brochures when this development launches depicting a beautiful, orthodontically blessed couple rolling around on a bed having a pillow fight before going out to one of sheffields "many trendy" bars, to mix with their equally beautiful friends, one of which will be Oriental, and one black.

Frankly, I'd rather brochures gave just a semblance of reality now and again and depict three students up to their knees in crap, smoking a joint and playing Championship manager.

Personally, I think from that picture it's going to look a little odd stuck there in the middle of Sheffield's skyline

What about the University Arts Tower when viewed from the top of Meersbrook Park? Or the Hallam Tower and Hallamshire Hospital?

For £100,000 you'd be lucky to a studio. And who wants to fork out £650 a month on mortgage payments to live in a box.

Cynicism aside, I do genunely hope that is brings prosperity and wealth to the city.

Cynicism abound, I predict a **** load of glossy brochures when this development launches depicting a beautiful, orthodontically blessed couple rolling around on a bed having a pillow fight before going out to one of sheffields "many trendy" bars, to mix with their equally beautiful friends, one of which will be Oriental, and one black.

Frankly, I'd rather brochures gave just a semblance of reality now and again and depict three students up to their knees in crap, smoking a joint and playing Championship manager.

Ok... I admit I was a bit out with the £100,000 lol. I've amended it now to £150,000 which might give the purchaser a few more centimeters for their money ;)

I agree with you on the pretentious marketing stuff they usually kick out. I like the student thing and think you would make a career in marketing ;)

I agree with you on the petentious marketing stuff they usually kick out. I like the student thing and think you would make a career in marketing ;)

We should have a law where we make estate agents refer to them as "high rise flats", that should keep the prices down a bit.

, the shadow of the tower passes over between 12 and 1.00pm. The study was conducted by the consultants who did the original planting for the gardens who concluded that there would be no significant effect on the plants.


But all those who go to the winter gardens for some lunch will have to sit in the shade.

Winter gardens - warm place to go in winter, with trees and plants in blossom as if it was summer

Winter - part of the year that the sun is normally hidden away behind an obstacle of sorts, generally a cloud

Big bloody tower - obstacle that will block the sun to the winter garden (see description above)

I like it. But I'd hate to live there if the lifts broke.

But all those who go to the winter gardens for some lunch will have to sit in the shade.

Winter gardens - warm place to go in winter, with trees and plants in blossom as if it was summer

Winter - part of the year that the sun is normally hidden away behind an obstacle of sorts, generally a cloud

Big bloody tower - obstacle that will block the sun to the winter garden (see description above)

Don't forget that these are the WINTER Gardens. They are gardens we can use in the Winter to get the effects of the winter sunshine but without the cold air. In winter there is a limited time during the middle of the day when the sun will not be obscured by the nearby buildings. Adding a high rise block of flats that will block out the light at the very middle of the day is criminal negligence. The plants may well not be affected, but the people will be.

The plants may well not be affected, but the people will be.

I think the prospect of more jobs and business in Sheffield out way a few people having a mild shiver at a certain time of the day in the winter.

All the discussions on this page seem to be missing the point.The Heart of the City scheme was supposed to celebrate and produce a development scheme that is worthy of a 1 in a 1000 year event.The corporate part of the development in no way achieves the high standard of the public domain.As a member of the new Sheffield Civic Trust I shall be putting forward proposals to show the Sheffield public what could have been (and hopefully in the future what will be) the most stunning city centre development, certainly in this country and possibly anywhere in the world.Oh,and it doesnt include a 32 storey monstrosity.

Cynicism abound, I predict a **** load of glossy brochures when this development launches depicting a beautiful, orthodontically blessed couple rolling around on a bed having a pillow fight before going out to one of sheffields "many trendy" bars, to mix with their equally beautiful friends, one of which will be Oriental, and one black.


They will be laughing and playing Jenga while drinking cocktails, in the corner a live jaz band will be playing, then they will leave and walk home through the "colourfull" street to their loft.

All the discussions on this page seem to be missing the point.The Heart of the City scheme was supposed to celebrate and produce a development scheme that is worthy of a 1 in a 1000 year event.The corporate part of the development in no way achieves the high standard of the public domain.As a member of the new Sheffield Civic Trust I shall be putting forward proposals to show the Sheffield public what could have been (and hopefully in the future what will be) the most stunning city centre development, certainly in this country and possibly anywhere in the world.Oh,and it doesnt include a 32 storey monstrosity.

How do we become part of the Civic Trust? I see that there is an AGM next month but only members can attend. Those of us that have strong views on the future of Sheffield might also like to take part.

My own view is that I have nothing particular against a 32 story building in itself, I just hate the lack of imagination and the way that it isn't quite big and impressive enough to really stand out either.

All the discussions on this page seem to be missing the point.The Heart of the City scheme was supposed to celebrate and produce a development scheme that is worthy of a 1 in a 1000 year event.The corporate part of the development in no way achieves the high standard of the public domain.As a member of the new Sheffield Civic Trust I shall be putting forward proposals to show the Sheffield public what could have been (and hopefully in the future what will be) the most stunning city centre development, certainly in this country and possibly anywhere in the world.Oh,and it doesnt include a 32 storey monstrosity.

What's this new Sheffield Civic Trust? I'd like to hear more.

While I agree with your sentiments, don't you think that the horse has bolted.

I think the prospect of more jobs and business in Sheffield out way a few people having a mild shiver at a certain time of the day in the winter.

I don't much care if a few people get a mild shiver at certain times of the day. I do care that the Winter Gardens was supposed to be a landmark building only a few years ago and now we have another landmark building which will ruin the environment of the first. I can only deduce that the 32 story block of flats wasn't considered as part of any real strategy but is rather just another disjointed idea.

I also doubt that there will be any new jobs as a result of building some new flats, or rather no more or less than if other buildings are built.

My own view is that I have nothing particular against a 32 story building in itself, I just hate the lack of imagination and the way that it isn't quite big and impressive enough to really stand out either.

I think it would look better being taller and narrower.

is it true theres a height limit in sheffield

is it true theres a height limit in sheffield

No, just a limit on imagination.

tall buildings = more like Manchester or leeds = a good thing. :rolleyes:

No, just a limit on imagination.

tall buildings = more like Manchester or leeds = a good thing. :rolleyes:

Tall building = more like Manchester or Leeds, but best not make them quite as big or impressive.

Tall building = more like Manchester or Leeds, but best not make them quite as big or impressive.

Smaller tall buildings = easier to knock down when mistake is realised.

How do we become part of the Civic Trust? I see that there is an AGM next month but only members can attend.

Membership's £10 and I guess you'll be able to join on the door. If you search for civic trust, there's a thread on here somewhere with more info. Or look here - http://www.yhacs.org.uk/news/news.asp?id=20

All the discussions on this page seem to be missing the point.The Heart of the City scheme was supposed to celebrate and produce a development scheme that is worthy of a 1 in a 1000 year event.The corporate part of the development in no way achieves the high standard of the public domain.As a member of the new Sheffield Civic Trust I shall be putting forward proposals to show the Sheffield public what could have been (and hopefully in the future what will be) the most stunning city centre development, certainly in this country and possibly anywhere in the world.Oh,and it doesnt include a 32 storey monstrosity.

What's that then a huge tree with leaves of gold? Come off it people we are living in a city here, if you want countryside go live in Bakewell or a little village. There's no pleasing people in Sheffield and this forum really depresses me as all the responses you get are negative and people moaning about pointless things that probably won't even effect their lives. There's plenty of open spaces in Sheffield, Millennium Square, Tudor Square, Paradise Square, Peace Gardens and Devonshire Green. Why would need more? This is a city and cities have buildings, sometimes tall, sometimes ugly but get over it.

Membership's £10 and I guess you'll be able to join on the door. If you search for civic trust, there's a thread on here somewhere with more info. Or look here - http://www.yhacs.org.uk/news/news.asp?id=20

I had already looked at that site and all I can find is information about an AGM and nothing about recruiting members. Since you are a member and obviously concerned about the city then perhaps you can help by getting them to make it easier for people to join! I hadn't even heard of it until today.

sheffield = no imagination the spire tower thats going down the wicker should be in the town centre why does evry other city do it better than sheffield

All the discussions on this page seem to be missing the point.The Heart of the City scheme was supposed to celebrate and produce a development scheme that is worthy of a 1 in a 1000 year event.The corporate part of the development in no way achieves the high standard of the public domain.As a member of the new Sheffield Civic Trust I shall be putting forward proposals to show the Sheffield public what could have been (and hopefully in the future what will be) the most stunning city centre development, certainly in this country and possibly anywhere in the world.Oh,and it doesnt include a 32 storey monstrosity.

And, what does it include then? How do you propose to make Sheffield the most stunning city in the world? I'm interested to hear how this group proposes to do that!! Anyway, why are you are so confident that everyone will love your plans?! Surely, all this is subjective anyway.

sheffield = no imagination the spire tower thats going down the wicker should be in the town centre why does evry other city do it better than sheffield

The fact is they dont. Have you seen Leeds lately? Identikit buildings there too. The only place you will find decent design is London, where companies want to make a statement through their head offices and will pay accordingly.
The new retail quarter is also the same design as every other city centre retail regeneration scheme that is going on in the majority of the UK's cities. Mainly because the same 2/3 development companies are behind them all.

People are right to knock the crappy schemes going up, but dont think its just Sheffield that accepts them because we're so desperate for regeneration- its everywhere.

A little comedy interjection... I think we need it...

(Broadband Preferred)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPov7GFN6aU

Why oh why do we have to accept such a bland structure. No imagination seems to have been employed at all. The Winter Garden showed that it can be done.

On a recent visit to Amsterdam, I saw some truly exciting modern buildings and the ones below in France show what can be achieved.

http://www.terragalleria.com/pictures-subjects/modern-architecture/picture.modern-architecture.fran2860.html

http://www.viennaslide.com/p/0530-paris/Viennaslide-05321502.jpg

Why oh why do we have to accept such a bland structure.

Love the pics, but my own opinion is that the City Lofts development is 'best in class' for a city of our current size and demographic makeup. The Viennaslide is truly magnificent!

No doubt most people will disagree with me -

but I feel that a few tall buildings in a city's skyline shows prosper and wealth.

If Sheffield had more of a historical feel like york or chester than tall buildings would look very odd but the fact is - sheffield city centre is surrounded by run down 60's concrete blocks.

The new regeneration - including some tall towers can only be a good thing.

What's that then a huge tree with leaves of gold? Come off it people we are living in a city here, if you want countryside go live in Bakewell or a little village. There's no pleasing people in Sheffield and this forum really depresses me as all the responses you get are negative and people moaning about pointless things that probably won't even effect their lives. There's plenty of open spaces in Sheffield, Millennium Square, Tudor Square, Paradise Square, Peace Gardens and Devonshire Green. Why would need more? This is a city and cities have buildings, sometimes tall, sometimes ugly but get over it.
Its good to know we have people in the city that are prepared to live in ugly, depressive surroundings.It really fills my heart with glee-NOT!The commercial developments,under my proposals, would simply be better located in the scheme thereby working better both commercially and from a generic planning point of view.The architecture would also be of much higher quality which would be needed to attract the type of businesses that would bring in hundreds of thousands of extra visitors a year thereby creating a REAL city of european significance.The existing businesses are in no way prestigious enough for this location and do nothing to boost the image of the city internationally.

And, what does it include then? How do you propose to make Sheffield the most stunning city in the world? I'm interested to hear how this group proposes to do that!! Anyway, why are you are so confident that everyone will love your plans?! Surely, all this is subjective anyway.
Plans are being drawn up to show a high quality commercial development(quality is not subjective-most people know and appreciate a high quality product when they see it).At the first meeting of the newly formed Sheffield City Trust most people were up in arms at the poor quality and lack of imagination of the regeneration of Sheffield.The main ethos of the trust is to improve the built environment and architectural appeal of the city from a non political stance, working with and giving advice and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism to various public and private organisations.