Plans have been unveiled to create an incredible 37-storey tower in the centre of Sheffield – on land owned by Sheffield Hallam University. The site, which formerly houses the Nelson Mandela Building, is in a prime city centre location minutes from the train station.

Sheffield Hallam University, who are seeking partners and investors to develop the new Sheffield City Gateway, have only recently announced an Estate Plan to transform the University and their Director of Estates, Daniel Ladbury, will be one of the speakers at our Sheffield Development Plans Conference.

The proposals were announced at MIPIM and the vision would see the 37-storey building feature a variety of mixed uses including a hotel, conferencing facilities, restaurants and residential units to create a vibrant and atmospheric environment around the area. A feasibility study and proposal for the new building is currently being developed alongside partners BDP and Lambert Smith Hampton.

The developments conference facility would give enough space for 300 people, the four or five-star hotel would house 120-rooms, along with roof gardens, dining and bar areas. Residential plans could see 200 flats being integrated into the build with food outlets and restaurants on the ground floor.

Daniel Ladbury, who’ll be speaking at the Sheffield Development Plans Conference in June, said: ”The University plays a vital role as one of the major employers and capital investors in the region and it’s exciting to be able to share our ambitious future plans for our estate and the wider Sheffield City Region. The proposition has been developed with Sheffield City Council’s Core Strategy in mind: the site lies within the Sheffield Urban Area which encourages and promotes major development, vibrant and engaging street scenes.”

The plans form part of the wider Estates Plans – a 20-year proposal with the aim of seeing Sheffield Hallam University become the world’s leading applied University. The first phase will see numerous new buildings and refurbishments of estates in a £220m investment before three further stages will complete the masterplan.

Prof Chris Husbands, Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor, said: ”This is a bold vision for the long-term future of the University’s estate which will enhance the presence and profile of the University at the heart of the City Region and support its wider regeneration and development. We want to create an exceptional environment in which to learn and work and a welcoming and inclusive environment for visitors to Sheffield. We are uniquely places at the heart of the city to contribute to its vibrancy and reputation and we want to encourage everyone in the city, not just out staff and students to enjoy our campus by creating attractive public spaces.”

The site, situated on Sheaf Square, would be one of the first things train passengers would see when arriving in the City – and construction is set to begin on the last phase of the Digital Campus Scheme in the area to further add to the exciting developments happening. Sheffield City Council have also offered Channel 4 the use of a plot in a similar location if the broadcaster relocates to Sheffield, which could see the booming city explode with investment.

We can’t wait to hear more about the future masterplan and opportunities for everyone to get involved at the Sheffield Development Plans Conference.