Issue 10 • May 2026
The new park at Castlegate will celebrate 1,000 years of Sheffield’s history. It is a complex project, but work on site has continued since our last update.
Designs are still being finalised, and specialist planning consent continues to be sought for the archaeology on the site. We continue to work alongside key stakeholders to make sure that progress continues to be made.
Good weather has meant that work has begun in the River Sheaf and our partners at Wessex surveyed the recently discovered Norman well on site.
You can find out more about this work in the newsletter below.
Given the above, we do not as yet have firm dates for the opening of the new park. We remain focussed on creating a space that all residents and visitors can enjoy while learning more about Castlegate’s past. We will continue to keep you updated on the progress being made.
February
Aureos continued works on the Upper Rampart and the Bowling Green areas of the park.
 Work on the drainage channels in the bowling green have continued, including decorative stepping stones.
Progress continues for the construction of the main route through the park, from Waingate to Castlegate.
 The concrete base that has been laid on the main route through the park
March
With the start of better weather conditions, good progress has been made on the River Sheaf. Below shows some of the work that has been undertaken in the area.
 Heavy machinery, including a crawler crane and long reach excavator, are now on site to work on the exposed River Sheaf
On the Upper rampart area and Bowling Green (events space area in the future park), work has included installing tactile paving. You can see this in the image below.
 Tactile paving has been installed on site
Aureos continue to work on the lower area of the site to create more opportunities for children to play in the new park.
April
Flume pipes were installed and are being used to divert the main flow of the water whilst working in the River Sheaf. To ‘flume a river’ means to divert its natural water flow into an artificial, open channel or chute. This means that the river Sheaf was ‘dewatered’. The pipes are gravity fed and require no supply of power.
 The flume pipes that have been installed to divert the flow of the River Sheaf to allow work to take place
 Work is progressing on the now dry river bed
Expected progress on the River Sheaf includes:
- excavation and foundation work underneath Castlegate (the street) and Grey to Green.
- further flume diversion works and dewatering under beams 5 to 11 in the River Sheaf.
- earthworks and concreting works.
- installation of ‘Redirock Blocks’ underneath beams 1 to 4. These are interlocking concrete blocks that are used to build durable retaining walls.
- creation of the weirs underneath Castlegate (the street) and Grey to Green.
Expected progress outside of the River Sheaf includes:
- work starting on the access road through the park, from Waingate to Castlegate.
- protection of archaeological remains in the lower chamber area
- work on the concrete base
- enabling works at Waingate are set to start in July.
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 A CGI of the completed works on Castle Street
Our plans for improvements to Castle Street were approved by Sheffield City Council’s Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee in December 2025. This followed public consultation in September last year.
Part of our wider city centre transformation, Connecting Sheffield: Castle Street will improve facilities for bus passengers, like better shelters and journey information. There will be new crossings to make walking and wheeling easier and safer. A two-way cycle route will also connect to other existing, and planned, city centre routes. The plans will make it easier to access the new castle park site too.
We are finalising plans for construction and, subject to funding approvals, we expect to start work this summer.
Before we start, we need to dig some holes in the pavement and the road. This will help us understand what pipes and services are under the ground to inform construction. We expect to do this work in mid-June. We will work overnight on one Sunday to reduce disruption for buses during the day.
You will be able to access all properties while we work. We will also make sure all areas are usable again in the morning too. You can find out more about the Connecting Sheffield: Castle Street project using the button below.
 The drone that was used to survey the medieveal well on site at Castlegate
Archaeologists from Wessex Archaeology, working alongside FlyThru, have surveyed a medieval well that once provided a vital source of water within the walls of Sheffield Castle.
Located within the Norman motte (castle mound), the well is lined with stones at the top and cuts through solid bedrock. The survey saw a drone in a cage descend into the 12.5 metre shaft. The drone took hundreds of photos to create a 3D model of its interior as it went down the well. This will help to reveal details of the well's construction and it also showed that the well still holds water at the bottom.
Ashley Tuck from Wessex Archaeology, said: “This was an exciting day at Sheffield Castle. The medieval well would have been indispensable for the people who lived and worked in the castle day-to-day and especially so during times of siege. With an attacking army outside the castle walls, those inside would have needed water within the castle boundaries for their survival.”
See the full video below.
 Quayside Market is back with dates in June and July
The much-loved Quayside Market is back this year. The market brings energy and atmosphere to the waterfront from April to September. Taking place on the second full weekend of each month, it brings a vibrant mix of street food, live music, independent makers, and waterfront bars.
Expect an ever-changing lineup of food traders, serving everything from global flavours to local favourites, alongside talented independents selling handmade goods. The addition of live music throughout the weekend creates a lively backdrop, making it the perfect place to relax, explore, and soak up the riverside setting.
Whether you're looking to discover unique crafts, enjoy great food and drink, or simply spend time by the water, Quayside Market offers something for everyone. Mark your calendar and make the most of these monthly weekends by the waterfront.
The upcoming dates are:
June
- 13th June - 12pm - 9pm
- 14th June - 11am - 4pm
July
- 11th July - 12pm - 9pm
- 12th July - 11am - 4pm
 Pollen Market returns to Castlegate on Sunday 19 July.
Running every other month, the market is free to attend. It features an abundance of greenery, live music and art. There's also local produce to buy, food and drink and more!
Celebrate the vibrant city of Sheffield, its people and Castlegate!
Find out more via the button below.
 Artist Richard Bartle studying the archaeological finds from the Castle site
There is still strong interest across the city in the remains of the Castle.
The Hunter Archaeological Society recently held an event where Sheffield artist Richard Bartle spoke about his new work. He has been commissioned to create ten paintings inspired by the Castle and the River Sheaf.
As part of his research, he has studied artefacts found at the Castle site. These visits to Wessex Archaeology have helped him connect with the area’s history. This has included its social, political, and environmental past. Castlegate offers a rich source of inspiration for his work.
The exhibition is planned for September 2027 at Exchange Place Studios.
Friends of Sheffield Castle also recently held their Annual General Meeting. This year, it took place at the Old Queen’s Head.
After the meeting, visitors joined guided tours led by Steve Brownlow and Stuart Croker, a former landlord of the pub. They shared stories connecting the Castle, Manor Lodge, and the Old Queen’s Head.
The history of the building itself is also remarkable. Cobblestones beneath the wooden benches are part of an original road from the mid-1400s.
Build your favourite place in the city, past, present or future!
Grab your pickaxe, choose your blocks and join us this May half-term to add your own build to our Sheffield-inspired Minecraft world.
Sheffield DocFest and The National Videogame Museum have teamed up with Minecraft artist Adam Clarke to create Sheffield in Minecraft, block by block, and we need your help to build it! Join us at The National Videogame Museum this May half-term to claim your plot and add your stamp to our Big Sheffield Build.
The final build will be presented as the centrepiece of Sheffield DocFest’s free Alternative Realities Exhibition (10-15 June) hosted at Yorkshire Artspace, which explores the creative possibilities of gaming worlds.
Join us until 31 May to build your own piece of Sheffield in our unique Minecraft world.
National Videogame Museum
Now until Sunday 31 May
Opening Times: 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm
Find out more and book tickets.
 A still from Apophenia by Leah Clements
Apophenia is the first major solo exhibition in the UK by artist Leah Clements. It is co-commissioned by Arts Catalyst in Sheffield and Peer Gallery in London.
For this show, Leah presents a new film alongside a series of sculptures and sound works. The exhibition also includes seating designed to feel calm and restful. These spaces reflect the mood and setting of the film.
In the film, the main character travels to ancient and modern spa and wellness sites, in an attempt to discover meaning in the context of illness. The film is narrated by author Jenn Ashworth. As the story unfolds, she moves into a state called apophenia. She describes this as “relentless, out-of-control pattern recognition”.
Join Arts Catalyst for the opening of Apophenia on Saturday 13 June 2026, from 2pm to 4pm.
The exhibition is open to the public from 18 June to 1 August 2026. Opening hours are 12pm to 5pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It takes place at Arts Catalyst, Project Space, Exchange Place, S2 5TR.
For more details and public events, please visit the Arts Catalyst website.
 Visit Harmony Works during one of their upcoming events
Dates for your diary to come and visit Harmony Works at Canada House.
Sat 20 June - Sheffield Music City Walk.
Details will be released soon by the University of Sheffield, but this event will take in a number of music venues in the city centre, including Sheffield's first Youth Folk Festival and a curated performance in Canada House.
Friday 26 June - Dance under the Dome.
Harmony Works with Sheffield Music Hub and the Well Dressed Band invite you to join us to celebrate our musical community and help to raise funds for Harmony Works.
Dance the night away under the Dome at Harmony Works (Canada House), or enjoy a pint at the old Chinese Buffet Bar
Find out more.
Friday 26th June
Doors open at 6:30pm, dancing from 7pm till 9.30pm
11 Commercial Street, Sheffield, S1 2AT
£10 per adult and £5 per child. U5s free.
Bar (challenge 25 will apply) and tuck shop
All under 18s MUST be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult
You can get tickets via Ticket Source.
Saturday 27 June - Concerteenies for Babies at Harmony Works
Join Concerteenies with your 0-2 year-olds at our future home, Harmony Works. With Polly Ives, Luke Carver Goss and Trevor Waldron.
This event is a unique opportunity to enjoy live music inside this Grade II*-listed building before it closes for renovation work in July. Concerteenies is a partner organisation of Harmony Works, an ambitious vision for a regional music hub, set to open in 2028.
Listening to a wide variety of live music with your baby is great for bonding, relaxation, communication, active listening and well-being. There will be instruments, bubbles, scarves and more to explore with your little one.
Find out more at the Concerteenies website.
The vision for the Sheffield Castle site is for it to become Sheffield’s newest park.
It will feature parts of the original castle and a 'Sheaf Field' with views to the opened-up River Sheaf. A high quality greenspace with an events square, reminiscent of the bowling green that occupied the site in the 1600s, is also part of the plans.
For site or construction specific information, please contact David Fidler (Site Manager, Aureos) David.Fidler@aureos.com
For any other information, please contact Lucia Lorente (Principal Development Officer, Sheffield City Council) Lucia.Lorente@sheffield.gov.uk
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