Castle Hill Park completion pushed back to summer 2028

The revised programme is intended to ensure the remains of Sheffield Castle are preserved and incorporated into the new public space at the historic Castlegate site.

Sheffield City Council said the evolving understanding of the archaeology, alongside specialist requirements for integrating the remains and the deculverted River Sheaf, had added “significant complexity” to the project.

The council is working with Historic England, the Local Planning Authority, the Castlegate Board, Friends of Sheffield Castle, the Sheaf and Porter Rivers Trust and the South Yorkshire Archaeology Service on the approach to preserving and presenting the remains.

Arup is advising on the project, which looks to create a destination public space at the confluence of the Don and Sheaf rivers, historically a hub for the city and a site regarded as its birthplace.

The revised scheme will see key archaeological features, which have been hidden for centuries, exposed and interpreted as part of the finished park, creating a route through more than 800 years of Sheffield’s history.

The plans also include the creation of an events space, children’s play areas and public realm, with the history of the site forming a central part of the design.

Work to expose the culverted River Sheaf is continuing, including the construction of a fish pass to enable salmon and other species to travel upstream.

Progress on the river works has benefited from the extended period of dry weather over the summer, although the council said further progress will depend on favourable conditions.

The completed park and River Sheaf works are now expected to be delivered together by summer 2028.

The financial implications of the revised programme are being assessed, with a further update expected through the council’s governance process.

Meanwhile, plans for the wider Castlegate area have been strengthened following a memorandum of understanding between Sheffield City Council, Legal & General, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Sheffield College.

The agreement supports plans for a major new education campus on the edge of the new park, adding to the emerging regeneration of the Castlegate area.

Cllr Alexi Dimond, chair of transport, regeneration and climate committee, said: “Castle Hill Park will be a focal point for Sheffield for years to come. It’s important to get it right, so that future generations can experience the site in its historical context and learn about the birthplace of our city.

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

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

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