The University of Sheffield has today (Thursday 18 September 2014) unveiled ambitious development plans which are set to revolutionise the University’s campus, opening it up to the public and linking it firmly with the city centre.
The Campus Masterplan sets out the University’s pioneering plans, over the next 10-15 years, to create a unified, sustainable and green campus which will enhance the experience for students, staff, visitors and the wider community, and integrate seamlessly with the rest of the city.
As the University of Sheffield continues to grow, both in terms of world-wide reputation and in student and staff numbers, there is an increasing need to expand and improve the quality of buildings and the surrounding campus which is currently an eclectic mix; from the ’red brick university’ Victorian style Firth Court, to the contemporary and futuristic Jessop West.
The Masterplan aims to establish better links with the wider community, particularly with the Gold Route which connects the campus to the city, Sheffield Hallam University and Midland Station.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, Professor Sir Keith Burnett, said: "Developing an estate which allows us to provide world-class teaching and learning facilities for our students and staff is certainly a major priority. But so too is the desire to be firmly part of our city and to create a safe and welcoming environment which encourages people from all walks of life to see it as their University.
"We’re proud of the city’s heritage and our remarkable history of innovation and determination and we believe that we have an important role to play in contributing to city vibrancy.
"This Masterplan will help us to do that, by setting out an ambitious approach to improving the quality of the built environment in our part of the city and the spaces which tie the urban architecture together. We’ll also invest in transport and travel networks so that everyone using our campus can enjoy a better, safer and healthier experience."
The Masterplan has been developed in conjunction with Sheffield City Council, and Leigh Bramall, Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Development, said: "The Masterplan reflects the Council’s vision for an attractive, well-connected and walkable city which is easy to get around using all modes of transport. We know that local people have strong views about how they want their city to be developed, and this is their chance to shape the Sheffield of the future."
A number of landmarks in and around the University campus which will benefit from innovative transformations include the Arts Tower, St George’s Church, Western Bank and Leavygreave Road.
There are also exciting proposals for a number of new buildings. These include a new state-of-the-art Science facility in the Hounsfield area and an ultra-modern sports centre on Northumberland Road, which is also the planned location for an impressive Social Sciences building bringing together many subject areas under one roof, creating a perfect environment for inter-disciplinary learning.
Professor Sir Keith Burnett said the aspirational plans will motivate academic excellence in an innovative environment. He said: "We want to foster our valuable links with the City of Sheffield and the wider region and its businesses, and to encourage our staff and students to achieve their full potential.
"Creating the right environment for that to happen is vital and we believe that this Masterplan shows our commitment to achieving that through collaborative and inspirational ways."
One of the biggest issues currently facing pedestrians and cyclists on campus is the need to cross major roads to get around the University. A main priority highlighted in the plan, which can be explored online , is to make it easier and safer to get around the campus on foot, by bicycle, or on public transport.
Plans to establish two new crossings on Western Bank with a further improved crossing on Upper Hanover Street and increased safety measures at Brook Hill Roundabout are just some of the proposed enhancements which will benefit not only students and staff but members of the wider community.
The recent success of the Tour de France and Yorkshire’s Grand Départ has shown, once again, how important cycling is to the city of Sheffield. The Masterplan includes proposals to improve facilities for cyclists with two new bike hubs which will provide more than 500 secure spaces with shower and changing facilities to support and encourage sustainable travel.
Keith Lilley, Director of Estates and Facilities Management at the University of Sheffield, said "We want people in the city, not just our staff and students, to love spending time here. We want to make it even easier and safer for people to walk and cycle, and we also want to create public spaces which encourage people from all over the city to visit and enjoy the campus.
"Our challenge is to continue to plan and manage our estate in a way which boosts the quality of our physical assets and surroundings to help us compete for the best staff and students from around the world. We really want to know what people think about the ideas we’ve set out, so hope that people will visit the website or come to one of our four public exhibition days to find out more and let us know their views."
The University will be inviting members of the public to take a closer look at the innovative plans at four consultation events. These will be held on:
- Monday 29 September 2014, University Concourse, 10am-4pm
- Thursday 2 October 2014, Jessop West Exhibition Space, 10am-5pm
- Friday 3 October 2014, Winter Gardens, Sheffield City Centre, 12noon-7pm
- Saturday 4 October 2014, Winter Gardens, Sheffield City Centre, 10am-4pm.
Separate public consultations regarding any proposed new buildings will also take place before plans are submitted for planning approval.
