Turning grey into green
Grey to Green is a groundbreaking environmental and economic development strategy devised by Sheffield City Council. It responds to three key issues:
the need to re-connect the Castlegate area, including the Law Courts and Victoria Quays, with the rest of the city centre;
the need to re-use a large amount of redundant highway; and
the severe impact that the floods in June 2007 had on Castlegate.
Phase 1, around West Bar, Bridge Street and Snig Hill, was approved in 2014 and completed in summer 2016. The project cost around £3.6m. It was funded by Sheffield City Region, the European Regional Development Fund and Sheffield City Council, with a small contribution from the Canal and Rivers Trust.
Phase 2, around Exchange Place, Castlegate (the street) and Snig Hill, was approved in 2019 and largely completed in summer 2020. The last element of the scheme on Angel Street went to site in August 2021 and is expected to be completed in spring 2022. The project will cost around £6.3m. It is funded by Sheffield City Region, the European Regional Development Fund and Sheffield City Council, with a small contribution from Yorkshire Water.
Even with its recent completion, the project has already had a significant impact on the area. From an economic perspective, the project has led to great development. New office and residential developments have taken place in West Bar and Castlegate. There is an improved likelihood for new sites coming forward for development too. The food and drink offer in the area has also increased. Visitors, residents and workers alike enjoy the new seating and the surrounding planting. Besides these economic benefits, the project has significantly increased biodiversity and improved surface water management. Win-win in every aspect!
