Does anyone know if the midland station is going to be much bigger?? I mean the only thing we constantly hear is about the superb square being built in front of the station but we dont know much about the actual station, apart from "refurbishing" it which technically could mean anything... There is no clear pictures on any website showing what the actual inside of the station will look like. Does anyone have a clue?

hiya, when I last bought a ticket, I asked the lady behind the counter about the alterations. She said the ticket office is moving to where the bus stop/coach pickup point is and there will be no parking area. Thats all she said tho. She did not seem very impressed.

I think the ticket office is moving to where the taxi rank used to be (as it has now moved :D) and the shopping concourse is to be extended into the area where the ticket office currently is.

New canopies, lighting and paving will improve the platform areas - this work is already underway.

On the actual station the new footbridge, lifts and tramtop is allready complete and in use, as is the new multi-storey car park which replaced the old pay and display one, creating many extra spaces.

Work to resurface the platforms and repair the canopies is under way. There will be a new waiting lounge on platform 6/8 (similar to the one on platform 2/5). New information screens will replace the current monitors.

The biggest changes on the actual station that will be noticed is the concourse, which will be pretty much flattened and re-done, although of course the victorian arches will remain as a feature. There will be more retail outlets, and a new, re-located ticket office. I believe there will be extra Fast-ticket self service machines too.

Outside the station the road layout will all be new, along with the public square, which will make a much more pleasant welcome to Sheffield - and make things much safer and easier for pedestrians.

You should be able to pick up a newsletter at the station about it, there is also a display on the station in the platform 1 waiting area (also in the tramstop lobby).

So they're going to knock the main concourse area down (apart from the victorian arches)??

Well, I use words like 'flattened', the reality is more likely the glass walls relocated/extended!

Not that I want a copy at all, but is Sheffield station really going to look like a place where people think " wow this is really nice" a bit like Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Piccadilly is beautiful but I certainly wouldn't want Sheffield to look like Leeds station as its boring..

Originally posted by Sony
Not that I want a copy at all, but is Sheffield station really going to look like a place where people think " wow this is really nice" a bit like Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Piccadilly is beautiful

Thanks! It has a really modern 'airport' feel about it. The other station is still very grotty though.

The prinipal changes to the platform area at Manchester Piccadilly other than a new surface is the restoration of the big glass trainshed roof, which not only now looks good, but lets a lot of light in now it's clean! Plus they have stuck that travelator thing up to the footbridge which has a new waiting area at the top.

All the rest of the changes was to completely demolish the station frontage and build a shopping mall onto the front of the station.

The possibilities at Sheffield are much more limited, as the station is smaller, and is a listed building.

Right... So we'll have a small, refurbished station.. Good old sheffield :thumbsup:

At Midland Station:

The travel centre is moving to the taxi rank.
The Taxi rank is moving to the pick&drop zone right at the back.
The concourse as they call it or hall will be from the travel centre to half way up the pick&drop zone.
The white metal frame holding the glass at the hall's entrance will be replaced by all glace and minimal support to conserve the building and respect the style.
A canopy will go to cover platform 2C, joining onto the canopies 5 and 2A.
The buffets on platforms 2/5 and 6/8 will be refurbished and renammed (different franchise holder in other terms).

Greg

Originally posted by Captain_Scarlet
At Midland Station:

The travel centre is moving to the taxi rank.
The Taxi rank is moving to the pick&drop zone right at the back.
The concourse as they call it or hall will be from the travel centre to half way up the pick&drop zone.
The white metal frame holding the glass at the hall's entrance will be replaced by all glace and minimal support to conserve the building and respect the style.
A canopy will go to cover platform 2C, joining onto the canopies 5 and 2A.
The buffets on platforms 2/5 and 6/8 will be refurbished and renammed (different franchise holder in other terms).

Greg

Excuse my complete ignorance but what is a canopy and a buffet??

Originally posted by Sony
Excuse my complete ignorance but what is a canopy and a buffet??

A canape is a small bite-sized pastry snack and a buffet is a large sideboard with drawers and cupboards.

HTH

Has anyone considered a brand new station, and turning the old building into a railway museum or something? If it's no longer practical in size, it seems stupid to make do.

Originally posted by alchresearch
Has anyone considered a brand new station, and turning the old building into a railway museum or something? If it's no longer practical in size, it seems stupid to make do.

Yes! Sheffield International Station - With Eurostar platforms for swift transportation to the continent, and numerous platforms for connection to the east coast and midland mainlines :) :thumbsup: :rolleyes: :D


P.S We can always dream!

Well if they demolish Park Hill and push the station wall back a bit, there's PLENTY of room for Sheffield International to be built :D

Originally posted by alchresearch
Has anyone considered a brand new station, and turning the old building into a railway museum or something? If it's no longer practical in size, it seems stupid to make do.
My preferred approach would be to rebuild Sheffield Victoria Station (behind the Holiday Inn at Victoria Quays) and use that for local and transpennine services. That would free up platforms at Sheffield Midland for long-distance intercity services. A Supertram link between the two stations would be essential, though.

IMO, the reason that Midland Station doesn't have that "big city feel" is not because of its size; rather, it is because it doesn't have a large arched station shed (see York) or an impressive modern concourse (see Manchester). I think the listing rules out the former, but the latter seems to be in hand.

Personally, I'm quite pleased with the work that's been done so far. It seems to fit rather well with the "steel, stone and glass" theme that I tend to associate with the best bits of this city. :cool:

Originally posted by Sony
Excuse my complete ignorance but what is a canopy and a buffet??

A canopy is the glassed roof over your head.
A buffet is where you tend to eat food on a platform ;)

Originally posted by Umeeksk
IMO, the reason that Midland Station doesn't have that "big city feel" is not because of its size; rather, it is because it doesn't have a large arched station shed (see York) or an impressive modern concourse (see Manchester). I think the listing rules out the former, but the latter seems to be in hand.


That is absolutely right!! It would be better with a large shed though:thumbsup:

Originally posted by Sony
Excuse my complete ignorance but what is a canopy and a buffet??

Canopy is the roof/shelter over the platforms. Buffet is just an old fashioned term for cafe/coffee shop/snack bar type establishment.

Originally posted by alchresearch
Has anyone considered a brand new station, and turning the old building into a railway museum or something? If it's no longer practical in size, it seems stupid to make do.

The size of the station is fine, it's just the passenger facilities need upgrading/repairing/modernising and the general appearance has got a bit shabby. Only thing that was too small was the car park, which was always full by 8am, which is why the pay and display has been replaced with a multi-storey.

The work outside on the roads etc is about city regeneration and improving the streetscape.

Originally posted by Andy C
The size of the station is fine, it's just the passenger facilities need upgrading/repairing/modernising and the general appearance has got a bit shabby.

Like Andy says, I recon 9 platforms (although numbered 1 thru 8 ) are quite enough for our city, at times there are empty platforms for 30 minutes.
The facilities will be put up to date, then we'll be able to be proud of a victorian and modern station for our and visitors' use.

I cant wait for the works to be complete, I think the whole station/sheaf square area will look quite stunning. The new pedestrian link to the city centre (Howard Street) will be impressive also and when pedestrians reach the top of the hill, the new St Pauls Place will be completed, which will serve as an impressive gateway to the city centre

:)

Originally posted by dinp
I cant wait for the works to be complete, I think the whole station/sheaf square area will look quite stunning. The new pedestrian link to the city centre (Howard Street) will be impressive also and when pedestrians reach the top of the hill, the new St Pauls Place will be completed, which will serve as an impressive gateway to the city centre

:)

Yes, this does all sound good. Heh - thinking back to ye olde days, the idea of Howard Street being an impressive anything is pretty shocking! :o

This is the sort of thing we need at sheffield station (bottom of the page) ( we can only dream)...

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=119073

Originally posted by rickmiles85
Yes! Sheffield International Station - With Eurostar platforms for swift transportation to the continent, and numerous platforms for connection to the east coast and midland mainlines :) :thumbsup: :rolleyes: :D


P.S We can always dream!


See here - http://www.central-railway.co.uk

No actual plans for Sheffield its self thow...

Originally posted by Sony
This is the sort of thing we need at sheffield station (bottom of the page) ( we can only dream)...

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=119073

Couldn't you have linked directly to the picture instead of making my browser load a couple of megs of irrelevant ones first. I have no idea what you were hinting at, unless you want a Bullet Train to Tokyo from Sheffield.

Not that irrelevant actually- The UK has a lot to learn from Japan and is years ahead of the UK.
Wish I could just have posted the pic- but this forum doesn't allow me to

Originally posted by Sony
Not that irrelevant actually- The UK has a lot to learn from Japan and is years ahead of the UK.
Wish I could just have posted the pic- but this forum doesn't allow me to

This picture? here (http://img11.exs.cx/img11/9092/ShinkansenNozomiandGinzabackdropCustom.jpg)

Originally posted by ptigga

...... unless you want a Bullet Train to Tokyo from Sheffield.

Tokyo to Sheffield :wow: :wow:
Only a minor 5870miles... ;)
Cant we just try and get Sheffield - London in 2hours (without going via Doncaster)
Would make my working life a lot better

Originally posted by Bookey
This picture? here (http://img11.exs.cx/img11/9092/ShinkansenNozomiandGinzabackdropCustom.jpg)

No wasn't that one either

Originally posted by Bookey
Cant we just try and get Sheffield - London in 2hours (without going via Doncaster)

Try the Master Cutler in the morning, that gets to London in 2 hours.
and 2 hours 30 minutes for a regular HSt to get to London, still faster than by car...

Originally posted by Captain_Scarlet
Try the Master Cutler in the morning, that gets to London in 2 hours.
and 2 hours 30 minutes for a regular HSt to get to London, still faster than by car...

Master Cutler does not get me there before 8:30

Only one of any use is

SHEFFIELD 05:21 Train MIDLAND MAIN LINE
LONDON ST PANCRAS 07:56
DURATION: 2:35


All the rest either change at Doncaster or Retford or arrive to late for business.

Well;

Departure Sheffield: 0727
Arrival London: 0933

I'm sorry it isn't the appropriate time of arrival, but you wanted a 2 hour long journey, there it is.
Coming to back to what I said in my previous post 2 hours and anhalf is still damned good, and unlike GNER (which forces you to go to Donny) you get unlimited free coffee & tea on Midland Mainline's trains.

The return Master Cutler is a bit slower, 2h15
Departure London: 1715
Arrival Sheffield: 1931

PS: the 0521 is the train I always get to go to London, I need to walk to the station because First shine with their absence of any bus at this time, but after 35 mintes walk, and a few cuppas, arriving in London at 8 is ace to get a connection !

Is the current regeneration of the station also going to clean up the train lines and the area around the tracks running into the station?

They are currently a right eyesore, all sorts of weeds and shrubs flourishing around the tracks!

I know Sheffield is the greenest city in the UK but this is taking things to far.

If you look at the tracks going into Leeds train station they are pristine! Isn't Sheffield supposed to be one of the cleanest major cities too?

http://www.webbaviation.plus.com/leeds/m50.leeds.england.htm

I guess that isn't helped by all the plebs who live nearby chucking their rubbish over the wall onto the railway...

Work is continuing apace to transform Sheffield Station and its surroundings as Network Rail and contractor C Spencer Ltd begin a £7 million scheme of platform and canopy works on 24 May to improve the station environment for passengers. The work has been funded as part of a £12.8 million grant from the Strategic Rail Authority’s (SRA) Rail Passenger Partnership (RPP) scheme.

Work includes:

Construction of a new waiting room for platforms 6 and 8

Refurbishment and renewal of remaining platform canopies (some work was carried out when the new footbridge was constructed)

Renewal of platform surfaces and drainage

Renewal of platform lighting

Provision of new seating and cycle racks

Work will be carried out in three phases:

Phase 1 (May 2004 to December 2004) – Platforms 2, 2c, 3, 4 and 5

Phase 2 (January 2005 to June 2005) – Platforms 6, 7 and 8 including the construction of the new waiting room

Phase 3 (June 2005 to October 2005) – Platforms 1a and 1b


An interesting document (pdf) on http://www.midlandmainline.com/uploads/documents/AllChangeSheffield.pdf

Went round Sheffield Midland station this afternoon where Platform 2 is finally finished. I hate to admit it but for the moment what a disapointment... As we all know they resurfaced the platform and gave the platform a lick of paint. But basically thats it.. I mean is this supposed to be the "21st century gateway to the city"?? I now looks decent and clean but thats it... Are they even going to replace the windows and doors on the platforms?? They look terrible..
All in all, I'm not too impressed...

If you go down in the evening you will also note part of the canopy work has involved improved lighting - platform 2 is much brighter than the rest of the station at the moment!

Remember the platform work is pretty much renewal, the biggie is the station front.

When will the work inside the station take place??

It doesn't matter how much money is spent on the station people will still moan -it'll never be good enough!

People used to moan about the lack of car parking when there was just the little triangle area so a multi storey car park was built.The biggest moan about the multi storey car park is it's too far away!!!

Yes it takes 2 minutes maximum to walk from there to the station

Already people are moaning that platform 2 has been re surfaced, actually its been resurfaced,highered,new drains,all glass in canopies replaced and much better lighting (brighter) installed

Over the next few months new and bigger departure screens will be on ALL platforms.........they'll probably be too big,too bright,not bright enough or not got the right information on for some people!!!

Originally posted by semerpus
It doesn't matter how much money is spent on the station people will still moan -it'll never be good enough!

People used to moan about the lack of car parking when there was just the little triangle area so a multi storey car park was built.The biggest moan about the multi storey car park is it's too far away!!!

Yes it takes 2 minutes maximum to walk from there to the station

Already people are moaning that platform 2 has been re surfaced, actually its been resurfaced,highered,new drains,all glass in canopies replaced and much better lighting (brighter) installed

Over the next few months new and bigger departure screens will be on ALL platforms.........they'll probably be too big,too bright,not bright enough or not got the right information on for some people!!!

The new departure screens should be the same as the rest of the Midland Mainline stations, large rectangle structures with scrolling orange text on the platforms and a large square departure board on the wall in the concourse. Derby, Leicester, Kettering and Market Harborough have them (more stations must do i'm sure)

Originally posted by dinp
The new departure screens should be the same as the rest of the Midland Mainline stations, large rectangle structures with scrolling orange text on the platforms and a large square departure board on the wall in the concourse. Derby, Leicester, Kettering and Market Harborough have them (more stations must do i'm sure) And those black with orange LED screen are a pain, you don'(t know which train is wher,e or whare it's going, why: the text keeps on moving !

Put SOLARIS boards all over, won't have any reflection from sun (unlike the blue background flatscreen that will be in the hall, same as B'ham New St)

I swear the current system is far better than what they'll put, you will see !

whatever the type of screen that`s put in it will be down to the company that own the station not the company running it i believe. Network rail will choose and midland mainline will have to deal with the complaints.

Originally posted by alchresearch
Has anyone considered a brand new station, and turning the old building into a railway museum or something? If it's no longer practical in size, it seems stupid to make do.



wheres a suitable location though, i know.....knock down mcdonalds on farm road :D :D :D :clap: :clap: :clap: :hihi: :heyhey: :thumbsup:

Platform 5 was by far the worst platform. What a state that was in!! It's slowly starting to take shape.
By the way, when was the last time the station was refurbished, if ever???

Sheffield Station Concourse Development

Work at Sheffield station will move into a new phase on Monday 15 November, as construction work starts on the development of the station’s concourse and its surrounding area.

The work, which is part of the Sheffield Masterplan scheme, will result in an improved and extended concourse, with new retail outlets. In addition to the concourse works, we will also start to develop the former taxi rank area, which will become the new Travel Centre. This purpose-built facility will have the benefit of two additional sales positions, which means a reduction in queuing times for passengers using the station.

The programme of work, undertaken by Yorkshire based construction company, Laing O’Rouke, is expected to take up to 50 weeks to complete, and will be carried out in seven different stages.

Commenting on the Masterplan work, Midland Mainline's Managing Director Paul Bunting said:

“We want to provide a modern facility for staff and passengers using the station, and we are confident that the new concourse and travel centre will greatly improve the station.

“Although the programme of construction works has been designed to ensure minimal disruption for everyone, inevitably there will be some changes around the station as a result. Please bear with us while this necessary improvement work takes place”.

Originally posted by Andy C
In addition to the concourse works, we will also start to develop the former taxi rank area, which will become the new Travel Centre. This purpose-built facility will have the benefit of two additional sales positions, which means a reduction in queuing times for passengers using the station.


What a load of bull-poo. There's plenty of sales positions but there's not staff to have them all open at once. Every time that I've seen queues in the ticket office there have been at least 3 positions closed. Adding an extra position is not going to help things any. How about adding extra staff instead.

So learning from the above:-

Access by car will be via the back streets - and not the direct access we used to have. You will arrive at the station, and see it just there, but you won't be able to drive in - you'll have to find a way around the back streets - visitors are already getting lost.

Tickets will be sold in the area of the old taxi rank - possibly even having to queue out in the open - like at the Arena.

Taxis will be in the silly place they have moved to now - also notice how the kerbs there are too high and the access curve is too tight and therefore not used.

The entrance concourse will be just a bunch of shops - oh great.

The mult-storey car park is useless if you just need to wait for someone off the train - you shouldn't pay for that.

When you come out of the station you are going to see a 'world class square' - which means a 20 foot high stainless steel urinal which obscures the view of Sheffield and also the way to walk into the town.

The 'world class square' will be a windswept space with a water feature - perhaps needing staff to keep it from being vandalised, like the daft peace gardens. We are in Sheffield for goodness sake not the South of France - we have horizontal rain here.

I don't see any of it as an improvement - except the platform access lifts and the bridge - sorry lads.

Originally posted by nuf_said


When you come out of the station you are going to see a 'world class square' - which means a 20 foot high stainless steel urinal which obscures the view of Sheffield and also the way to walk into the town.



Post of the month lol:thumbsup:

Originally posted by nuf_said
So learning from the above:-

Access by car will be via the back streets - and not the direct access we used to have. You will arrive at the station, and see it just there, but you won't be able to drive in - you'll have to find a way around the back streets - visitors are already getting lost.

Tickets will be sold in the area of the old taxi rank - possibly even having to queue out in the open - like at the Arena.

Taxis will be in the silly place they have moved to now - also notice how the kerbs there are too high and the access curve is too tight and therefore not used.

The entrance concourse will be just a bunch of shops - oh great.

The mult-storey car park is useless if you just need to wait for someone off the train - you shouldn't pay for that.

When you come out of the station you are going to see a 'world class square' - which means a 20 foot high stainless steel urinal which obscures the view of Sheffield and also the way to walk into the town.

The 'world class square' will be a windswept space with a water feature - perhaps needing staff to keep it from being vandalised, like the daft peace gardens. We are in Sheffield for goodness sake not the South of France - we have horizontal rain here.

I don't see any of it as an improvement - except the platform access lifts and the bridge - sorry lads.

Suggest something better then smarty pants....

Originally posted by dinp
Suggest something better then smarty pants....

Try using designers who live in the real world as opposed to someone who just wants to change everything to justify their existence. Get rid of councillors who jump on the design bandwagon without thinking.

Forget the world class square idea.
Forget the 20 foot high urinal gimmick.
Have direct obvious vehicle access to the station.
Have a free short stay car park in front of the arches.
The remainder of the front can be landscaped / trees - not just patterns on the paving.
Paid long stay can be in the multi-storey.
Have space where you can actually drop off passengers - not that high kerb, tight curve detail.
Avoid the glass box shops with the dusty roof detail as exist now.

Glad you think my pants are smart.

Thanks for your 'lol' Sony....

The sculpture:

It looks it will be placed so that everyone will have to walk around it. It's a barrier. I hate barriers - I like to walk in straight lines.

Originally posted by nuf_said
Try using designers who live in the real world as opposed to someone who just wants to change everything to justify their existence. Get rid of councillors who jump on the design bandwagon without thinking.

Forget the world class square idea.
Forget the 20 foot high urinal gimmick.
Have direct obvious vehicle access to the station.
Have a free short stay car park in front of the arches.
The remainder of the front can be landscaped / trees - not just patterns on the paving.
Paid long stay can be in the multi-storey.
Have space where you can actually drop off passengers - not that high kerb, tight curve detail.
Avoid the glass box shops with the dusty roof detail as exist now.

Glad you think my pants are smart.

Thanks for your 'lol' Sony....

Vehicle and taxi access has been moved to allow traffic on Sheaf Street to flow better - taxi drivers waiting to get into the old rank often caused queues on the main road.

The public square is a good idea and will give a far better perception of Sheffield to all visitors. The setup as it was gave a very bleak first impression of the place - queueing taxis, congestion, beeping horns, a sea of tarmac and a dangerous crossing to the city centre, which had no defined route.

The public square will simplify things - pedestrian routes to the city centre and bus station will be safer and far more defined and the taxi rank, although close by, will not be creating traffic jams on the main road. The whole introductory atmosphere to Sheffield City Centre will be vastly improved.

Signposts to the train station will be provided as a matter of obligation anyway, the route itself is simplistic and anyone who cant read road signs shouldn't really be on the road.

The Cutting Edge will blend into the topography of the land and the exits either side will lead to the new Howard Street link to the city centre, or the new crossing to the bus station.

I, for one am glad that steps are being taken to improve the station inside and out, but not everyone can be pleased all the time.

Ptigga, don't make such daft statements. You couldn't walk in straight lines before, unless you want an encounter with those cars whose fumes you hate so much.

Originally posted by dinp

The public square is a good idea and will give a far better perception of Sheffield to all visitors. The setup as it was gave a very bleak first impression of the place - queueing taxis, congestion, beeping horns, a sea of tarmac and a dangerous crossing to the city centre, which had no defined route.

The public square will simplify things - pedestrian routes to the city centre and bus station will be safer and far more defined and the taxi rank, although close by, will not be creating traffic jams on the main road. The whole introductory atmosphere to Sheffield City Centre will be vastly improved.

The Cutting Edge will blend into the topography of the land and the exits either side will lead to the new Howard Street link to the city centre, or the new crossing to the bus station.



I understand the 'Cutting Edge' will be a 20 feet high stainless steel wall with water running down it. I saw the smaller version in the pub gents toilet last night! Will it need security guards like the Peace Gardens?

You are right about the taxis queueing in the main road though, even if they do sometimes seem to block the side road now.

The proposed exits from the square to Howard St and the bus station (what's left of it) are also good, but these crossings could have been provided without all the square nonsense. Just build the improved crossings.

I'm glad you're happy with the proposals.

Why do you car owners think you have the divine right to pull up bang outside the station??? (spare me cos we pay road tax arguement please)

The new drop off point (and 12 free car parking spaces) are less than 30 seconds away from the station and the NCP car park less than a minutes walk.

Jesus you'll not be happy until you can drive direct onto the platforms!

Like i said in a previous post no matter what is done to the station they'll still be those who will be unhappy- thats the nture of us Sheffielders.

The plans were on show for a long time and were on display for public to comment on/object too..how many actually bothered?

Anything,including the square outside will be a vast improvement.The taxi drivers are the most inconsiderate people previously queing down sheaf street and now parking where ever they like by the car park including yellow lines etc.

The new travel centre (according to the plans that were on display in the town hall) will be totally undercover with fast track ticket machines located outsideof it so people can collect/purchase tickets when they like.You won't have to queue outside like a previous poster on here implied.

Maybe if people actually stopped queing for day returns to Meadowhall etc and actually used the self service ticket machines provided instead of ignoring them the queues would be much less

Its the staff on the station i feel sorry for having to work in the middle of all this building work dust etc.Its bad enough passing through on a daily basis without having to put up with all that and the idiots they must come across.

The other day I saw a young girl on that information point on the concourse called every swear word in the book and then some because a train was 12 mins late.Yes its annoying but the way the jerk spoke to her you'd think she had personally delayed the train.

Praise to the girl tho she never lost it once- personally I'd have smacked the tosser or called the police out to him.

I dunno what all the fuss is about...a station make-over won't get me back on the trains.

What would are - an accurate timetable, a comfortable and guaranteed seat (even on local trains), connections as advertised, clean carriages with toilets that are seen to at every turn around instead of once a week...but most of all not having to worry about skimmed rails and missing or loose retaining clips etc. etc.

Oh - and booking on line would be nice, with a ticket I can print out at home - that shouldn't be too difficult in 2004 !

Originally posted by Greybeard
I dunno what all the fuss is about...a station make-over won't get me back on the trains.

What would are - an accurate timetable, a comfortable and guaranteed seat (even on local trains), connections as advertised, clean carriages with toilets that are seen to at every turn around instead of once a week...but most of all not having to worry about skimmed rails and missing or loose retaining clips etc. etc.

Oh - and booking on line would be nice, with a ticket I can print out at home - that shouldn't be too difficult in 2004 !

Fat chance of that ever happening, so they may as well tart the stations up instead ;)

Originally posted by nuf_said
I understand the 'Cutting Edge' will be a 20 feet high stainless steel wall with water running down it. I saw the smaller version in the pub gents toilet last night! Will it need security guards like the Peace Gardens?

You are right about the taxis queueing in the main road though, even if they do sometimes seem to block the side road now.

The proposed exits from the square to Howard St and the bus station (what's left of it) are also good, but these crossings could have been provided without all the square nonsense. Just build the improved crossings.

I'm glad you're happy with the proposals.

Getting rid of Sheaf Square roundabout simplifies the road network and will make it easier to drive along and simpler and safer for pedestrians to cross (when they sort the traffic light timings out!).

Taxi drivers can be lumped in the same bucket as bus drivers, they BOTH think they own the road. Blocking a side street is much better than blocking a major A-road through a major part of a major city, although blocking anywhere is not desirable. The side streets aren't quite finished yet anyway, in terms of layout, signage and tarmacing, but we'll have to persevere with that i'm afraid.

The Cutting edge is an alternative to simply having a large bland wall for everyone to p*ss and lean on, why are so many people against 'features'?? Up to some of you, we'd still be living in the 70s in planning terms and that is a period we are trying our best to move away from.

Originally posted by dinp

The Cutting edge is an alternative to simply having a large bland wall for everyone to p*ss and lean on, why are so many people against 'features'?? Up to some of you, we'd still be living in the 70s in planning terms and that is a period we are trying our best to move away from.

But the 'cutting edge' will actually be a large bland wall - made of shiny stainless steel. And as for the reference to p155ing on it - how apt, since it will be have water running down it - just like a urinal!

These 'features' which are inflicted on the town are often referred to as ' turds in the plaza' - often a rubbish sculpture on a plinth in the middle of a square - that's very 1970 actually. It would be more appropriate for the artwork to actually be a real part of the landscape or part of a building not just added on as a gimmick.

Why do you want a wall in front of the station blanking out the town - ashamed of it?

Originally posted by nuf_said
But the 'cutting edge' will actually be a large bland wall - made of shiny stainless steel. And as for the reference to p155ing on it - how apt, since it will be have water running down it - just like a urinal!

These 'features' which are inflicted on the town are often referred to as ' turds in the plaza' - often a rubbish sculpture on a plinth in the middle of a square - that's very 1970 actually. It would be more appropriate for the artwork to actually be a real part of the landscape or part of a building not just added on as a gimmick.

Why do you want a wall in front of the station blanking out the town - ashamed of it?

A shiny, steel water feature will be much better than a simple brick wall alternative. The wall would end up stinking from people urinating on it, whereas a constant water feature requiring maintenance will keep the area smelling fresh and clean. Less immediate traffic will also improve air quality.

Th cutting edge, is, I believe, attributed to Sheffield's steel making past in some way. As I wasn't brought up here, i'm not too hot on that particular bit....

The shape of the land makes a wall of some kind necessary. Otherwise we'd have a wide open paved space with no features and rain running down the hill towards the station doors. The Peace Gardens have a focal point. The Station Square needs a focal point, something recognisable, something people can refer to as a place to meet, something visitors will notice and so on.

Imagine a first time visitor to Sheffield coming through the station doors and heading towards Howard Street. If the Cutting Edge is there, they will notice this, along with any other proposed landscaping and that will be their first impression. The road will be partially obscured from this view.

Imagine the same person visiting for the first time, taking the same route into town, but with NO Cutting Edge, just a couple of trees as people have suggested. Nothing stands out. 'Oh there's a busy road' will probably be the first impression.

Trees are everywhere. Sheffield needs a defining feature at one of its key gateways. People will remember the Cutting Edge for whatever reasons and it will inject some flair into an otherwise bland and uninspiring entrance to the city centre.

A modern ticket hall, modern car park, tram connection, modern concourse and modernised station will give a much better image of Sheffield to people passing through and stopping. Or do we like being the 'forgotten' city of the UK?

Originally posted by dinp
A shiny, steel water feature will be much better than a simple brick wall alternative. The wall would end up stinking from people urinating on it, whereas a constant water feature requiring maintenance will keep the area smelling fresh and clean. Less immediate traffic will also improve air quality.

The Station Square needs a focal point, something recognisable, something people can refer to as a place to meet, something visitors will notice and so on.



You seem to have a fascination with people weeing. Why have a wall at all, and why do you think people need to wee on it - they could do this to any wall in the area.

Good idea to have a focal point to the square though - the station might be a good one.

Originally posted by nuf_said
When you come out of the station you are going to see a 'world class square' - which means a 20 foot high stainless steel urinal which obscures the view of Sheffield and also the way to walk into the town.

1

Originally posted by nuf_said
Forget the 20 foot high urinal gimmick.


2

Originally posted by nuf_said
I understand the 'Cutting Edge' will be a 20 feet high stainless steel wall with water running down it. I saw the smaller version in the pub gents toilet last night!

3

Originally posted by nuf_said
But the 'cutting edge' will actually be a large bland wall - made of shiny stainless steel. And as for the reference to p155ing on it - how apt, since it will be have water running down it - just like a urinal!

4

Originally posted by nuf_said
You seem to have a fascination with people weeing. Why have a wall at all, and why do you think people need to wee on it - they could do this to any wall in the area.

5.

I don't think so somehow... ;)

Originally posted by dinp
A shiny, steel water feature will be much better than a simple brick wall alternative. The wall would end up stinking from people urinating on it, whereas a constant water feature requiring maintenance will keep the area smelling fresh and clean.


Repeat:-
Why have a wall of any sort? Why do you fear people weeing on it?
Fact:-
It will look like a urinal.
Question:-
Perhaps you are involved in the design?

Originally posted by dinp
The shape of the land makes a wall of some kind necessary. Otherwise we'd have a wide open paved space with no features and rain running down the hill towards the station doors.

lol no i'm not involved in the design, but I am studying Town Planning at Hallam, so I soon will be doing such things :D

Originally posted by nuf_said
The 'world class square' will be a windswept space with a water feature - perhaps needing staff to keep it from being vandalised, like the daft peace gardens.

How many people here think the Peace Gardens are daft? They are very popular in fact, just look how busy it is on a dry and/or sunny day. People like high quality public spaces and they use them. If they just slab the entire outside of the station, why would people want to stay there?

Creating a feature gives people reason to hang around. Like what I touched on before - people arrange to meet others at landmarks.

My friends and family remember Sheffield for the Peace Gardens, Trams, the NCPM buildings, Winter Gardens and the Millennium Galleries. All landmarks of some kind. The station square will be added to this list i'm sure when its done.

I'm not fearful of people peeing on the sculpture, but you raised the initial comment about it looking like a urinal, so in that derogatory context, I stated that the cutting edge would be preferable to a standard wall as the smell wouldn't linger.

I am sure that the new square outside the station will fulfil public uses for which on-one has yet imagined ...

.. just like the peace gardens in fact ...

Originally posted by ptigga
What a load of bull-poo. There's plenty of sales positions but there's not staff to have them all open at once. Every time that I've seen queues in the ticket office there have been at least 3 positions closed. Adding an extra position is not going to help things any. How about adding extra staff instead.

Well good news - I'm told they are recruiting an additional three staff for the new Travel Centre.

I think you do need to think in terms of the finished product to judge it.

As the road will be changed with Sheaf Square roundabout removed, if you are driving from the Park Square direction you will simply drive past the front of the station and turn left at the multi-storey/Spar. If you are coming from the other direction you allready enter that way, and it is clearly signposted. All cars will simply go into the multi-storey car park, with 40 minutes of free parking available for those just stopping to pick up or drop off passengers. Taxis will drive past the multi storey onto Cross Turner Street where a taxi lane with turning loop will be located (similar to Derby). All those arriving by car or taxi will then have to walk across the corner of the nice public square into the station concourse. Those arriving by bus and entering the station on foot will find the approaches much safer, pleasant and pedestrian friendly. Finally those arriving by tram allready enjoy the facility of being delivered straight to the platforms.

The station concourse will be bigger, with more space, improved shops and cafes and a new Travel Centre with more ticket sales positions. There will also be more Fast-Ticket self service ticket machines. Those who have ordered tickets on the internet or phone by credit card collect their tickets from these machines and don't have to queue at the counter. The machines can also sell tickets for immediate travel to all the popular long distance destinations to those paying by card.

In terms of the station itself there is allready a new footbridge with lift access, work continues to resurface the platforms, install tactile edging, repair the canopies and upgrade the lighting. Platforms 2-5 allready has a waiting lounge, another one is to be built on platforms 6-8, and platform 1 allready has a waiting room.
I think there is also budget provision for a shelter on platform 2c to be installed (this is likely to be done after the main work is complete)

There will also be new customer information screens.

Finally, back to the square, Sheaf House and Dyson House will be demolished and replaced by a new smarter and modern office block, with a cafe-bar built into the ground floor, with tables outside on the square in good weather (like Ha Ha has by the Peace Gardens).

Andy C,

Great news about the 3 extra staff in sheffield travel centre.

How do you know this?

Where has it been advertised as my wife Hannah would like to apply...

Cheers.

There's been some rather damning comments on here about the new sculpture, the Cutting Edge. I've seen the plans for it, and think it looks fantastic. If anyone is interested, there's information here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/southyorkshire/sense_of_place/sheaf_square/sculptor.shtml

Originally posted by clogginchris
There's been some rather damning comments on here about the new sculpture, the Cutting Edge. I've seen the plans for it, and think it looks fantastic. If anyone is interested, there's information here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/southyorkshire/sense_of_place/sheaf_square/sculptor.shtml

The reason that the cutting edge sculpture had bad press was because the work was given to a Bristol manufacturing company when really it should have been made in Sheffield. It was offered to companies to build at the best possible price. The Sheffield companies which it was offered to couldnt make it cheap enough so instead a Bristol company gave the best price for the work and so it was given to task of making it.

Oh lordy, that steel thing is horrid :gag:

I thought it was supposed to be a public open space. Doesn't look too open with a big stupid wall down it, does it? As far as places needing a focal point where people can meet, all I can see is Benny Hill style chases in circles round it because at the 4.5 m tall end you can't see over the damn thing to find your friend.

Is this definatley going ahead? I'm gutted. They could have done something really nice there, instead of putting more junk street furniture in.

Originally posted by semerpus
Andy C,

Great news about the 3 extra staff in sheffield travel centre.

How do you know this?

Where has it been advertised as my wife Hannah would like to apply...

Cheers.

I know the managers. Budget has been approved, but the jobs have yet to be advertised. Generally the posts are advertised internally first, then to the wider world. Watch the Sheffield Star (and the Midland Mainline website).

Originally posted by pussycat
Oh lordy, that steel thing is horrid :gag:

I thought it was supposed to be a public open space. Doesn't look too open with a big stupid wall down it, does it? As far as places needing a focal point where people can meet, all I can see is Benny Hill style chases in circles round it because at the 4.5 m tall end you can't see over the damn thing to find your friend.

Is this definatley going ahead? I'm gutted. They could have done something really nice there, instead of putting more junk street furniture in.

I think it is down the side of the square to screen off the road.

Originally posted by Andy C
I think it is down the side of the square to screen off the road.

Well it's a triangle really, but yes it does go down the side and screen off the road. Stilll bloody horrible though. Why not use a nice green hedge?

Also, is the Hallam Union building going to be sorted out too? That's horrible as well.

The plans for this square are so dreary & ugly. Apart from the Winter gardens & Peace gardens. The whole ''regeneration'' of Sheffield are so guttingly dissapointing. A prime site in the very heart of Sheffield, town hall. I walk past the huge swathing ugly foul, tackey cheapo chunk of junk being erected. Now the horrific square outside the station. I feel horrified & helpless I can do nothing to stop these awful buildings going up. With the demise of the foul ''egg box'' I felt now we would get some fine uplifting architechture but no. If they are throwing up such ugliness after all the debate & knowledge of the ugly'egg box'' unpopularity then all is lost. Sheffield is an ugly toy town legoland any where kind of town.

Originally posted by Tim42
The plans for this square are so dreary & ugly. Apart from the Winter gardens & Peace gardens. The whole ''regeneration'' of Sheffield are so guttingly dissapointing. A prime site in the very heart of Sheffield, town hall. I walk past the huge swathing ugly foul, tackey cheapo chunk of junk being erected. Now the horrific square outside the station. I feel horrified & helpless I can do nothing to stop these awful buildings going up. With the demise of the foul ''egg box'' I felt now we would get some fine uplifting architechture but no. If they are throwing up such ugliness after all the debate & knowledge of the ugly'egg box'' unpopularity then all is lost. Sheffield is an ugly toy town legoland any where kind of town.


Cheer up Tim! It's not the end of the world.

Originally posted by Tim42
The plans for this square are so dreary & ugly. Apart from the Winter gardens & Peace gardens. The whole ''regeneration'' of Sheffield are so guttingly dissapointing. A prime site in the very heart of Sheffield, town hall. I walk past the huge swathing ugly foul, tackey cheapo chunk of junk being erected. Now the horrific square outside the station. I feel horrified & helpless I can do nothing to stop these awful buildings going up. With the demise of the foul ''egg box'' I felt now we would get some fine uplifting architechture but no. If they are throwing up such ugliness after all the debate & knowledge of the ugly'egg box'' unpopularity then all is lost. Sheffield is an ugly toy town legoland any where kind of town.

I don't agree with hardly any of that.

me thinks tim has other issues in life which need to be addressed

I think the City Centre redevelopments must be judged by the finished product, not by just individual projects, phases, or building sites.

I'm sure it will all look good when it's finished.

Originally posted by Andy C
I think the City Centre redevelopments must be judged by the finished product, not by just individual projects, phases, or building sites.

I'm sure it will all look good when it's finished.

The Winter Gardens should good, almost entirely hidden from view :D

Sheffield. I lft Sheffield 25 years ago and have been back a few times since.No matter how much money is spent on development it will always be a three centre town. How many people who shop on The Moor walk down to the Haymarket or vice a versa
and Fargate shoppers have to make a decision which way to if at all they have Pinstone St but will they walk all the way to the Bottom of The Moor. Sheffield always has ben like a wild west town one long main street.

Originally posted by Greybeard
The Winter Gardens should good, almost entirely hidden from view :D

Almost - not entirely.

If you stand on Pinstone Street at the top of the peace Gardens you should see the end of the Winter Gardens, a luxury Hotel (which is something Sheffield desperately lacks), an office block and the edge of the nice new square they are creating where the P&D car park currently is at the back of the Yorkshire Grey.

Anyway back on topic - the railway station.

I think judging by the state of the drop off/pick up area, it is time to banish all cars other than taxis from the station front, and remove the short term parking bays (except disabled ones) - traffic is just snarling up.

In the future the short term parking and drop off/pick up will be in the multi-storey, why not make it like that now?

I'll be going to the station in an hour or so to pick up hubby, he works in London all week. If I park in the multi storey he wouldn't be able to find me quite so easily would he? Ok, so I walk to the station (I'm not too good at the old walking business) and it's a bit dark between the multi-storey and the station, but hey not that bad I suppose. I really would like to see some decent toilets and it would be great for us who have trouble walking to be able to guarantee the lift working. Last three times i've been its been out of order. Toilets on platform 1 - appalling. Now that really does give a bad impression of Sheffield to the visitors - and I gues it's the visitors we want to impress so that they'll come and spend all their lovely dosh in our wonderful city?!

Cars keep stopping on the road where the entrance to the station USED to be. Stop doing this!

you cannot get in the station. I was meant to be getting dropped off after playing at Pitz and no way in. On ecar blocking an entrance to nowhere.

it has to be a joke when people travelling to a majot city station cannot have people park up to collect them

typical Sheffield council. always s***

I had to be dropped off at the end of London road.

cheers....

Originally posted by dinp
Cars keep stopping on the road where the entrance to the station USED to be. Stop doing this!

Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!

You are seeing the difference between the logical way that it should be designed and the amateur fairytale effort we're getting.

Originally posted by Andy C
Anyway back on topic - the railway station.

I think judging by the state of the drop off/pick up area, it is time to banish all cars other than taxis from the station front, and remove the short term parking bays (except disabled ones) - traffic is just snarling up.

In the future the short term parking and drop off/pick up will be in the multi-storey, why not make it like that now?

So - since the new layout doesn't work and traffic is 'snarling up' - and that's evidence that it doesn't work - then get rid of the traffic. No suggestion to get rid of the failed design then.

Using the muti storey as a drop off point is ridiculous - if you were a stranger to Sheffield you'd never find it. And don't say you'd rely on signs - that's admitting the failure of the idea. Layout and routes should be obvious.

Originally posted by nuf_said
Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!

You are seeing the difference between the logical way that it should be designed and the amateur fairytale effort we're getting.

As the road only closed on Sunday, it will take people time to get used to the new arrangements, which aren't complete yet anyway. But stopping on Sheaf Street is going to cause some accidents, as well as some frustration!

ere we go..typical Sheffield moaning....

the road to the front of the stations only been shut a week and most people are moaning.YOU the same people who want improvements and a better station.Sorry but it cant be improved over night,no magic wand etc..yes its an inconvienience to you motorists who think you own the road and have a god given right to be able to drive right up to the front door.TOUGH! the NCP is less then 2 mins walk and you can now park for 40 mins free in it.Us pedestrains have rights too and why should we have to fight our way across a busy dual carriageway like we used to forever??

Its the taxi drivers next to the NCP who are amazing parking on double yellows..obviously they read a different highway code..one that says they can park where they like.

well moan as much as u like building works/improvemnts take time and like i've said previously most people wont be impressed when its finished cos us Sheffielders never are.

Originally posted by nuf_said
So - since the new layout doesn't work and traffic is 'snarling up' - and that's evidence that it doesn't work - then get rid of the traffic. No suggestion to get rid of the failed design then.

Using the muti storey as a drop off point is ridiculous - if you were a stranger to Sheffield you'd never find it. And don't say you'd rely on signs - that's admitting the failure of the idea. Layout and routes should be obvious.

The system is failing because the extra bit of outdoor short term parking has been added which is not part of the plan, this was only added to pander to all those that are moaning they cannot drive virtually onto the platform. Remove this area and most of the problem is gone (obviously it won't solve the queues of traffic waiting at the traffic lights to get out of the station).

As for not obvious, what is so difficult? Drive through new station entrance and into the car park. Is the fact that the car park is now indoors really blowing drivers minds that much?

We saw a stretch limmo at the pickup point last weekend :P :hihi:

There was no way that was going to fit through the turnaround point :hihi: It was embarking upon a 3(or more!) point turn as we left.

Originally posted by Andy C
Is the fact that the car park is now indoors really blowing drivers minds that much?
No it's the fact that you used to park closer and skive off paying