The vision for the site is to become Sheffield’s newest park, Castle Hill Park, which will include exposing some of remains of the Castle (including the former Gatehouse), bring out into the open a large section of the river Sheaf, and develop a high quality green space with an events square, reminiscent of the 'bowling green' that occupied the site in the 1600s.
The first phase of the exciting transformation began last month. Contractors Keltbray have set up their site compound and works to start clearing the site have started. This first phase will last until July and the archaeological excavation will take place between March and July.
We will report back on progress, including any opportunities for engagement and photographic evidence, every two months.
For site or construction specific information, please contact David Fidler (Senior Project Manager, Keltbray). David.Fidler@keltbray.com
For any other information, please contact Lucia Lorente (Principal Development Officer, Sheffield City Council). Lucia.Lorente@sheffield.gov.uk
 Current aerial photo of the Castle site
Progress achieved on site January and February 2024
Contractor Keltbray has fully established the site compound and cabins in Exchange Street.
- All pre-commencement planning conditions have been met.
- The demarcation of the archeologically important structures has been completed, allowing works to continue elsewhere without the risk of disrupting these sensitive areas.
- Alongside the above, the hoarding (fence around the site) has started to be repaired and adapted to include some specially designed panels. These will feature information about the project and the history of the site, as well as 16 viewing panels. This will allow the public to keep informed about the scheme and see progress for themselves.
- Site clearance has started and is ongoing.
 Aerial view of future events space
Works expected to take place in March and April 2024
- A new access ramp will be constructed on Exchange Street, allowing Keltbray access to and from the site with ease without interfering or affecting current arrangements on Castlegate (the street) or the structural integrity of the existing River Sheaf culvert.
- The above will allow general site clearance to commence, along with the removal of some existing spoil heaps in the site.
- There are underpinning works to be undertaken to provide stability and assurance that will allow the rest of the works to continue, the archaeology around the Gatehouse in particular.
- Existing utilities still within the site will be located and exposed. The asset owners will then be able to attend site and either disconnect their service or confirm that it is already disconnected.
 Southwest corner of the Castle site
Concrete will be poured into some of the large voids in the existing structures to provide stability so the 'outer' parts can be safely demolished. This is the case in the Southwest corner of the site where Exchange Street meets Waingate, and also in the Northern Tower towards the centre of the site.
Archaeology
The archaeological set piece excavation is scheduled to start at the end of March, to reveal the Castle’s Gatehouse. This will be conducted by Keltbray’s sub-contractors, Wessex Archaeology. This will occur in a few different locations around site and will run for approximately 10 weeks. There will be some opportunities for the public to take part, which will be advertised soon.
 Archaeologically sensitive area
 Archaeologically sensitive area (Gatehouse to be excavated to the right of the photo)
Pollen, Sheffield's inner-city flower market at Castlegate, is a monthly celebration of all things botanical.
For their first market of 2024, they are thrilled to once again be part of the Festival of the Outdoors. In this bumper edition on Sunday 14th March, there’ll be live music, lots of activities, entertainment, and amazing market stalls.
Plus canoe taster sessions hosted by DC Outdoor in nearby Victoria Quays, and Skateboard Jam next door on Exchange Street, in collaboration with Skateboard GB & The House Skatepark.
S1 Artspace update
In October 2021, S1 Artspace was awarded £2.64 million through The Gateway to Sheffield Levelling Up Fund Programme towards the purchase and renovation of premises at Park Hill.
S1 plans to establish a permanent and sustainable arts venue for the city, including increased exhibition space, artist studios, a dedicated education and community space, a café/bar, shop, and sculpture park.
The plans secured planning permission and listed building consent, however progress stalled during the pandemic as key public grant making bodies diverted funds towards covid relief programmes.
A shift in the funding landscape following the pandemic, combined with increased project costs due to rising inflation, resulted in the project becoming no longer viable at Park Hill.
S1 Artspace and Sheffield City Council remain committed to delivering the project and through a comprehensive options appraisal, have identified a preferred alternative site within the Castlegate area to deliver the project.
The Council has approved S1’s relocation and detailed site surveys are currently underway. S1 will continue to share updates on their progress and information about the new location in the coming months.
 Canada House consultation at the Castlegate Partnership
2024 will be an exciting year for Harmony Works. Having secured the £1.6m to purchase Canada House through the Gateway to Sheffield Levelling Up Fund in 2021, there are now significant funds allocated to the project including from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, SYMCA, Sheffield City Council, and The Wolfson Foundation.
Harmony Works will provide an inclusive and accessible home for music education in the region that invites every young person to explore their musical potential. Young people are at the heart of Harmony Works and their ideas and creativity will shape the space, so they feel comfortable, inspired, and welcome.
The plans to revitalise Canada House make the most of the building’s spaces, retaining its unique heritage features, and ensuring that it is accessible to all. The variety of spaces will be adapted to fit different music-making such as live rooms, performance, and practice spaces, to meet the needs of diverse young musicians.
Harmony Works was thrilled to be part of the MOBO Fringe, with young people all over the city taking part in activities, including preparing a performance of Stormzy’s Blinded By Your Grace.
Through the work of architecture students from the University of Sheffield, you can explore inside Canada House via a 3D digital model before it becomes Harmony Works. This will evolve to become an engagement tool to explore past uses and future proposals. Take a look and have a digital walk through from the basement to the attic!
 Now work on the Castle Site has started, The Sheaf and Porter Rivers Trust has set up a camera to take photos every hour so you can see the development in real time. They’ll be creating occasional timelapse animations from the footage too, so keep checking back.
 This voluntary, charitable group was established over 10 years ago to protect and promote the site of Sheffield Castle for the people of Sheffield and the wider area.
They have been working closely with the Council to shape the plans for the Castle site and are delighted that work is now starting.
They are particularly excited that after nearly 400 years, the remains of the Castle gatehouse that were buried deep underground will once again be seen by all.
Exchange St Collective
Exchange St Collective, co-founders of Castlegate Festival, are looking to continue their community cohesion work through arts, music, and culture.
They’re currently working with the Council and various stakeholders to see how they can make this happen, having been formally made a part of the Events, Stewardship and Pioneers Group.
They’re planning to start a temporary pop-up, meanwhile-use of Shude Hill, which has a fantastic backdrop that represents everything Sheffield.
They encourage co-production and working together on collaborative initiatives, and they welcome offers of financial support to make this happen.
To find out more and/or get involved, email Bal.
Quayside Market
Now coming into its third year, Quayside Market is a showcase of arts, craft, and street food based at the beautiful 18th century Victoria Quayside. The market takes place on the second Saturday of the month, this year starting on 6 April.
Keep up to date with the latest developments by following them on Instagram (@quaysidesheffield) and Facebook (Quayside Market - Sheffield).
For more information or to get involved, email Bal.
 Love Square, a pop-up park nestled behind Grey to Green at the junction of Bridge Street and West Bar, was created in 2017.
During the pandemic the park became overgrown and litter-strewn but then a local group came together under the banner of ‘Lovers of Love Square’ to bring it some TLC.
They weeded out invasives, dead-headed, cut grass, cleared paths, re-painted graffitied planters and installed temporary litter bins. They now carry out regular litter picks, empty bins and cultivate the well-established perennial planting.
Future tasks include receiving new litter bins, replanting the small orchard of over 15 apple trees, repairing benches, painting out graffiti, and securing resurfacing of paths.
If you would like to get involved or sponsor their work, text 07941814554.
 The National Videogame Museum has introduced a new way to play Minecraft, the world’s best-selling videogame.
In collaboration with videogame charity SpecialEffect, players can use their eyes to control the game with unique Eye Gaze technology.
The accessible technology, originally developed for people with severe disabilities, is called EyeMine and allows people to discover a revolutionary way to play the popular adventure game.
Using infrared cameras to track the eye movements of the user, it mimics the use of a traditional computer mouse, allowing visitors to become human controllers.
Exchange St CCTV
Since the installation of the CCTV on Exchange Street there has been a significant decrease of ASB, with none reported to Police. There has been a displacement of issues concentrated towards High Street, which partners are manging with short and longer-term solutions.
Exchange Street remains a patrol area for Police and relevant partners.
Andalus Community Centre
Andalus Community Centre offers face-to-face, professional advice for a large community within Castlegate and beyond.
Their multi-lingual staff can help with things like housing, household funds, issues with bills, medical assessments, welfare benefits, PIP, hearings and court representations, and more.
The Council have posted an update on the demolition of the Market Tavern, which can be read here:
Vulcan
Our logo, seen on the header of this newsletter, is based on the sculpture of Vulcan, which occupies a prominent position on Castle House, Angel Street.
The large figure by Boris Tietze (1962) represents the Roman god of fire and metalworking, in his right hand a bundle of metal rods. Vulcan appears in Sheffield’s Coat of Arms, to represent its long history of metal working.
In the 1980s, Vulcan was removed and sent to a scrapyard where he was rescued by the Council’s Public Art Officer and, subsequently, restored to his rightful position – a symbol of Castlegate’s regeneration.
The Castle project is being developed with the involvement of the Castlegate Partnership, which includes Friends of Sheffield Castle, Sheaf and Porters Rivers Trust, University of Sheffield, SADACCA, Sheffield Property Association, Andalus, Exchange St Collective, Exchange Place Studios, and others.
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