UKREiiF | Sheffield advances 23-acre regen project

Plans for the Attercliffe Waterside project can move forward, following completion of a development agreement between the city council and Citu.

The 23-acre urban regeneration scheme, which will transform brownfield land either side of the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal, is proposed by Citu, the Yorkshire-based sustainability-led developer, as one of the largest zero carbon communities in the UK.

The project will feature more than 1,000 homes alongside “climate-conscious” creative workspaces, an arts venue and retail opportunities.

Citu’s track record includes low-carbon residential neighbourhoods in Sheffield’s Kelham Island and Leeds’ Climate Innovation District.

Plans will go in for phase one in the coming weeks, including more than 400 homes and the conversion of existing buildings to form arts, leisure and workspace opportunities.

Managing director Jonathan Wilson said: “We have a long-term investment in Sheffield, creating award-winning new communities and employing dozens of local people here for more than a decade. It’s fitting that the city will be home to one of our most ambitious schemes to date.

“This site has a rich history and is looking to a new chapter that will be at the forefront of tackling the biggest crisis of our generation, the climate emergency. We will use our 20-plus years of experience in sustainable placemaking to ensure we create a new neighbourhood that will work in harmony with the natural surroundings and exceptional beauty of this area, creating lasting impact for the community to thrive.”

The houses will be built using Citu’s timber-framed housing system. Remediation works will now get under way, with infrastructure installed before construction starts on site in 2024.

The land at Attercliffe Waterside is owned by Sheffield City Council, which recently acquired the interests of the Canal & River Trust and Norfolk Estates using funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. The site was brought to market in 2019.

Kate Martin, executive director of city futures at Sheffield City Council, said: “The exchange of this development agreement is a great moment for this regeneration project and we look forward to working with Citu over the coming months and years as it now moves into delivery.

“The transformational scheme will deliver much needed high-quality homes and jobs and build on the success and momentum of the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park; £17m of Levelling Up Funding currently being invested in Attercliffe as well as the growing Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District.”