Creating a Positive Message for Sheffield

[mr.blaze 10]

Originally posted by Sidla

The city centre isn't a hole.

 

Your quite right it's closer to a pit.

 

j/k our city centre is stunning compared to others. Ever been to Crewe?

[Lestat 10]

because you can't put a better bit o' butter on your knives . . er . . and forks?

Sorry i've just been told someones already stolen that one.

[slimsid2000 10]

Originally posted by theflyingfish

Meadowhall is one reason why the city centre is such a hole

 

No. It's because those in charge of the city centre don't try very hard to compete with Meadowhall. Blaming Meadowhall for failings in the city centre is rather like blaming Tesco for failings in Saisburys. It is up to the centre to compete, not to complain about the competition.

[slimsid2000 10]

Originally posted by J-Blaze

Your quite right it's closer to a pit.

 

j/k our city centre is stunning compared to others. Ever been to Crewe?

 

No but I've been to London. I think Sheffield centre still has a long way to go before it is in that league.

[Lestat 10]

and i've been to Chesterfield . . . Sheffield Kicks ass.

[nomme 10]

Originally posted by J-Blaze

j/k our city centre is stunning compared to others. Ever been to Crewe?

 

Since when did Crewe become a city?

Hardly comparable.

 

I know it's hard to believe that such a small town has a football team that competes in the same league as with the likes of Sheffield United, Leeds etc. but it is still just a town.

 

Nomme

[theflyingfish 10]

Originally posted by slimsid2000

No. It's because those in charge of the city centre don't try very hard to compete with Meadowhall. Blaming Meadowhall for failings in the city centre is rather like blaming Tesco for failings in Saisburys. It is up to the centre to compete, not to complain about the competition.

 

Who would you say is in charge of the city centre exactly to make it compete? I think this is an interesting question - whose responsibility is it? The council's? The shops'? The shoppers'?

 

 

Out of town shopping centres have a massive impact on town centre economics and that is the reason why the (central) Labour Government no longer lets them be given planning permission. There is very little reason why big stores should locate in the city centre at the moment because of the massive economic pull of Meadowhall, but maybe the new retail quarter that Sheffieldone has planned will change that. Because of the impact of meadowhall I would like to see Sheffield resist the temptation to attempt to attract flagship stores into the centre and encourage business to provide something that the big out of town centres can't. For example a pleasant outdoor environment, more cafes, small scale specialist shops, even make it (very) late opening, a pedestrianised street layout that encourages people to explore, perhaps outdoor markets (look at the success of the euro markets). Sheffield has a lot of potential to capitalise on its environment to market itself as a city of leisure for young people and rich people with more time on their hands - as we move into a more leisure orientated time, who is to say that Sheffield can't be a British equivalent of California (in terms of leisure, not the weather!)

 

 

And for a city of 500,000 people, the quality of commerce and range of services available in the city centre is dire. Cities are supposed to be cultural, economic and political centres, places where there is constant creative activity as the result of thousands of diverse souls come together. Yet Sheffild centre is deserted after 6 o'clock and I can't think of a single quality restaurant in the city centre and the same goes for pubs. Comparisons with Chesterfield and Crewe are fairly meaningless given their relative sizes.

 

I am optimistic Sheffield is on the up though, give it five years.

 

Sorry that was a long post.

[Umeeksk 10]

Originally posted by Sidla

The city centre isn't a hole.

Quite right - I'm pretty sure we filled that in and put a tram stop on it.

[Dr Feelgood 10]

I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments of 'theflyingfish'.

As an outsider who has been in Sheffield for a year, to me its city centre is that of a town rather than a city.

I often wonder what has happened to Sheffield. I mean why has it been left behind by other Northern cities like Leeds and Manchester whose centres have the soul of a city? Meadowhall has a part to play, I agree but I don't think this can be the only reason. For Manchester also has the Trafford Centre as well as its vibrant city centre.

No, I think it is also to do with a failure to think big by the people in the city and a lack of ambition. I really hope, being a proud Yorkshireman, that the investment in the city centre (heart of the city campaign/Retail Quarter) really does create a better and more positive image for the city which I do believe has the potential to be city of European significance with its own style and character.

 

[E-Man Groovin 27]

Be original dudes. Most city centres are filled with nothing but commercial corporate retail outlets which quite frankly add nothing to quality lesuire or civic life.

 

Thanks to Meadowhall sucking up all the corporate outlets we have a tabula rasa upon which to create a truly innovative 21st century city. For example, why not:

 

• Turn the Forgemasters into the best art gallery bar the Tate Modern
  
• Build a multi-storey building with a bar on top making the most of the views of the Peak District
  
• Have more spaces like the Peace & Winter Gardens
  
• Encourage public performances in public spaces
  
• Encourage unique cafes bars pubs & clubs
  
• More late licences!
  
• Unique, independent shops
  

 

I could go on. What would you prefer, that or another row of River Islands, Russell & Bromleys, or H&Ms?

 

Zeddy

[theflyingfish 10]

Originally posted by E-Man Groovin

Be original dudes. Most city centres are filled with nothing but commercial corporate retail outlets which quite frankly add nothing to quality lesuire or civic life.

 

Thanks to Meadowhall sucking up all the corporate outlets we have a tabula rasa upon which to create a truly innovative 21st century city. For example, why not:

 

• Turn the Forgemasters into the best art gallery bar the Tate Modern
  
• Build a multi-storey building with a bar on top making the most of the views of the Peak District
  
• Have more spaces like the Peace & Winter Gardens
  
• Encourage public performances in public spaces
  
• Encourage unique cafes bars pubs & clubs
  
• More late licences!
  
• Unique, independent shops
  

 

I could go on. What would you prefer, that or another row of River Islands, Russell & Bromleys, or H&Ms?

 

Zeddy

exactly. But I fear the council don't see things this way...maybe we should all write to our local councillors?

[mr.blaze 10]

Originally posted by nomme

Since when did Crewe become a city?

Hardly comparable.

 

I know it's hard to believe that such a small town has a football team that competes in the same league as with the likes of Sheffield United, Leeds etc. but it is still just a town.

 

Nomme

 

Do forgive me I was just trying to imply there are places worse off than us. And yes it is very hard to believe they even have a football team lol.