Keltbray picked for Castle Market transformation
Sheffield City Council has chosen the contractor to lead on the historic site’s overhaul in a project that includes opening up the medieval castle and the River Sheaf, along with creating events space.
Keltbray, a well-established engineering and early-stage construction provider headquartered in Surrey, will begin work in the opening weeks of 2024, with a target of completion in summer 2025.
The plans were approved by Sheffield City Council in May, with Arup advising.
In all, the project covers around 128,000 sq ft of public space in an area that housed Castle Market until its demolition in 2015.
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Development plots around the site are to be taken, in part, by a sixth form college and an adult education centre.
The over-arching brief is to regenerate the former Castle Market site into “an exciting public space complete with revealing part of Sheffield’s medieval Castle, a new events area, the opening up of the River Sheaf and new public art that will interpret the history of the site”.
Keltbray’s head of operations Chris West and major projects director Louise Pavitt with SCC’s Lucia Lorente-Arnau and Cllr Ben Miskell. Credit: SCC
Sheffield’s castle dates back to the 12th century and is known as the birthplace of Sheffield, a story the new public space will look to showcase.
Remains including the gatehouse will be revealed and put on display. The events square will be able to host up to 500 people, while this section of the Sheaf will be opened and visible for the first time in the city centre since the Victorian times.
Cllr Ben Miskell, chair of SCC’s transport, regeneration and climate change policy committee, said:
“Seeing this amazing project move closer to becoming a reality is incredibly exciting and will mean that we will be able to see the remains of the castle which kick started Sheffield.
“The appointment of Keltbray as our contractor is a vital step in bringing this project to life and I cannot wait to see the transformation happen over the coming months. Its yet another sign that Sheffield city centre is on the up.
“Once complete it will be an incredible public space bringing together the history of our city along with modern public spaces for the people of Sheffield and beyond to enjoy.”
Vip Gandhi, Keltbray’s highways managing director, said: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Sheffield City Council on the impressive Castlegate project. Together, we have the opportunity to deliver an exciting scheme to regenerate the site, providing new public spaces, whilst preserving an area of rich historical heritage.”
The project is being funded by the government through the Levelling Up Fund, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the Environment Agency and Sheffield City Council.
