A hybrid planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of the Castle site, which was once home to Sheffield Castle and the Castle Market.

The proposed vision and concept design will create a new public space in Castlegate, that focuses on heritage, culture and sustainability.

The areas surrounding Castlegate have been in decline for many years, partly due to the relocation of large retailers and the poor quality of the local environment, yet it still remains as a main gateway into the city centre. 

On Twitter Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Co-Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: “We’re passionate about bringing Castlegate back to the thriving hub of activity it used to be, with green spaces and opportunities for all.”

The application for the regeneration of the site includes 8,961 square metres of public open space, which will include a section of the River Sheaf that was previously concreted over, and a community events space. 

Despite this, there has been opposition to the planned redevelopment of the castle, with concerns over whether the regeneration is removing the heritage of the city.

Peter Nelson shared his views on Twitter, saying “The design looks promising although I can’t see any areas that contain any of the castle’s ruins? It would be great if the Rampart Vista wall that faces the river Don is built in the image of an old castle wall rather than the existing wall that is present.”

Craig Sheppard also said on Twitter: “Let’s hope we get a General Election before the money runs out. The old town hall could do with some money spent on it. There’s a cafe in Graves Park that needs attention. The current council is destroying the heritage of our city and giving us a pretend garden of Eden.”

Sheffield City Council were able to secure funding from the Levelling Up Fund in October 2021 to transform the castle site, with construction planned for summer 2023 and expected to be completed by spring 2024. However, the council has admitted that the Levelling Up fund may not cover the costs of the development.