| Sheffield is changing a lot and we wanted to find out what is actually happening. Here at Cube we think town is a bit dull compared to other cities, and we think it would be good if some of the older buildings were taken down to make room for bigger, better things to do. |
“Quirky areas” “It’s a bit boring” “Exciting new developments” |
I asked other young people what they thought. Most said they wanted more shops in the town centre, like Leeds or Manchester. Those cities are more famous with a lot more things to do. Also, when you think of those cities, you often think of well-known, fancy buildings such as the Corn Exchange or the Trafford Centre, and that is what Sheffield needs – a distinctive city centre with buildings that can be used by everyone, including places with a relaxed, casual atmosphere that welcome young people. |
“Too
small” |
People also said that although they want new buildings, they think the open spaces like the Peace Gardens are good, and that it is important for the centre to have open space in it, as well as tall, impressive buildings. Bit picky aren’t we! |
| I
talked to Simon
Ogden, Head of City Development at Sheffield Council,
about what is being planned for Sheffield. These
include high-rise hotels and apartment blocks and more shops to bring
people back to the centre instead of going out to Meadowhall. There
are some buildings just being finished near the Peace Gardens, one
of which is going to be a hotel with three floors of cafés,
bars and rooms that everyone can use. The other is an office block
for a private company which won’t have a lot of public facilities.
There will also be a new open space, Millennium Square, linking the
Peace and Winter Gardens. Click image for image to Sheffield Galleries |
 |
“Easy
to get around” |
He also said that some open spaces will be developed, like the area on the hills behind the railway station, and along the Don, where there will be a terraced area that can be used for fishing, canoeing and other water sports. He made the point that Sheffield has many good points, like independent stores, friendly people and lots of public space. |
So it looks like we will get some of the things we want, which is great, but it will take time. Article and web page by Tim Durrant To top of page |