Sheffield sets out Gleadless Valley regeneration framework

The draft plan includes more than 1,000 homes, around 100,000 sq ft of commercial and community space, and significant public realm improvements in a bid to create a ‘successful suburb’.

The framework has been developed by the Gleadless Valley Regeneration Board in partnership with local community groups, and published ahead of its submission to the council’s strategy and resources committee for review next week.

It outlines a 10-year programme and identifies 12 major projects to be delivered, which will be contingent on a mixed-funding model combining private investment, charitable sources, and income-generating local assets.

Sheffield City Council has acknowledged that traditional public funding alone cannot support the scale of development proposed.

If fully funded, the plan includes:

• Around 1,100 new homes and upgrades to more than 300 existing properties, including energy-efficiency improvements and solar installation.

• Up to 98,000 sq ft of new commercial and community space, alongside three new or refurbished community centres.

• Significant public realm and landscape investment, including four new or enhanced parks, new pocket parks, 5km of improved woodland trails and 17.5km of upgraded pathways.

• Improved transport links, with aims to increase tram and bus frequency and strengthen active travel connections.

• Employment and training programmes targeted at local residents, including apprenticeships and support for enterprise.

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The proposals also anticipate the regeneration of run-down shopping precincts, new neighbourhood hubs for work and retail, and improved access to sports and recreation facilities, including an events square in the Herdings area and better use of playing fields as part of the Hemsworth Nature Neighbourhood.

The council and the regeneration board say the strategy is intended to leverage the area’s distinctive landscape, using parks, woodland and green corridors as structuring elements for new development.

If approved, the document will guide investment and partner activity as funding for individual projects is secured.

Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “There is strong determination from the Council and all of our partners in the community to secure the investment that Gleadless Valley deserves.

“By working together, and with the right investment, we have a plan that will deliver hundreds of new homes, new jobs, new shops and community spaces, improved parks and green spaces and better public transport – all the essentials of a great place to live.”