What’s next for Park Hill

After a year of lobbying from the Greens, last night we eventually heard about the plans for Park Hill flats. The first video shows Mark Latham, Director of Regeneration at Urban Splash, explain the next steps. The second video shows the interesting Question and Answer session. We were again disappointed in the lack of any provision for affordable housing.

Some of the highlights

• Duke Street block to become S1 Artspace and cultural hub + some housing. May include National Trust Heritage flat. Big gallery space. Auditorium and event space. Artists studios and workshop space. Creative work spaces and offices. National Archive of Brutalist Architecture.  Sculpture Park (discs already in place are sculpture stands).
• Talbot Street block to become Student Accommodation 300 student beds (Alumno Places 4 People)
• South Street. West Block-ground floor shops/bar/restaurant/cafe. Upper floors affordable housing.
• Detailed design proposals for the next phase (West block) to be available in next 2-3 months
• More retentionist approach-keep more of original brickwork.
• Park Hill to become a new part of City Centre.

Some of the highlights from the Q&A session included

• 700 homes in total. In South Street block all 220 homes will all be private.
• Next phase of work will go to planning next year.
• If planning consent given work to start after summer.
• 2 year build time. Students target Sept 2019. Some flats ready before and after that.
• Security concerns. Pros and cons of allowing access between blocks. To be discussed at design stage.
• Should there be 20mph zones around Park Hill?
• Problems regarding heating and hot water in the new flats. Are Veolia restricting the flow of hot water? Will it get worse as more flats come back into use?
• Usually you need 500 homes to make a shop viable. Park Hill could be less because of other passing trade. Hopes for food shop, pub/restaurant and cafe in next phase.
• If residents have ideas how to make building look better until it is developed get in touch with Urban Splash.
• New South Street road is dangerous as pedestrians and cars are not separated and lorries and cars can speed. Additional signage may be possible. Road is designed as a shared space so drivers need to take care.
• Residents need a launderette and a cycle hub.

After the meeting I put Mark Latham in touch with Sheffield Renewables so they can investigate the possibility of solar panels for the roof.