The creation of a masterplan for the proposed Sheffield Midland Railway Station has moved a step forward with the announcement of a collaborative team who’ll be working to maximise opportunities for Sheffield and those within the region. The team of architects and engineers will now work together to develop a plan for the area in preparation for two major infrastructure schemes set to provide a once in a lifetime opportunity for Sheffield – HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR). It’s a huge step forward and we’ll be hearing exclusive insights around the plans at the HS2 Economic Growth Conference, supported by HS2 Ltd, in November.

The consortium have been appointed by a partnership inclusive of Sheffield City Council, Sheffield City Region, London and Continental Railways, Department for Transport, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Transport for the North, Network Rail, HS2 Ltd and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive. It will be led by Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, who’ll be working in partnership with:

Cushman & Wakefield

Lambert Smith Hampton

Merrett Houmoller Architects
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The masterplan will aim to unlock the phenomenal opportunities which the new infrastructure projects could unlock within the city. That’ll mean a huge upgrade to the existing city centre station to prepare it for an influx of new passengers and high speed technology, whilst also improving and enhancing the surrounding areas – improving links through rail, tram, bus and bicycle, and ensuring the opportunities for regeneration and development are integrated into the growth opportunities and future vision and aims for the city.

Speaking exclusively to Built Environment Networking Edward Highfield, Director for City Growth at Sheffield City Council, said the vision ”is for a new commercial district, connecting the station redevelopment to the Heart of the City, up Howard Street, integrating with Sheffield Hallam University’s major campus redevelopment plans and Sheffield Digital Campus along the Sheaf Valley.”

Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Cabinet Member for Business and Investment at Sheffield City Council, said of the announcement: ”This is a clear indication of how important the new HS2 station location is to Sheffield and the wider city region. The station is absolutely central to our city centre masterplan vision to deliver new jobs, businesses and opportunities to the region. It must be delivered in tandem with improving connectivity to the station and in keeping with our ambitions for a green and sustainable city that works for everybody in Sheffield. I look forward to seeing the plans take shape to deliver thousands of new jobs for our economy.”

Work on the master plan will be completed by April next year, which will feed into the wider Sheffield City Region Growth Strategy.

Mike Gardner, Atkins Project Director, said: ”Our master plan will help ensure that by the time HS2 arrives in Sheffield, the station will be a focal point for the city and offer a first-class experience for passengers. Crucially, we’re also planning beyond the station to ensure that adjacent commercial and residential developments are a catalyst for delivering the city’s wider growth and regeneration ambitions.

The master plan will form part of the discussion at the HS2 Economic Growth Conference, supported by HS2 Ltd, where we’ll be bringing together civic and business leaders to discuss and present about the huge opportunities for development and regeneration across Sheffield and all other hubs and cities impacted by the infrastructure project.
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