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Sheffield – Gold Route

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Sheffield’s ‘Gold Route’ is a series of parks, squares, gardens and public spaces which are all linked through the centre of the city from the railway station past the two universities to the Millennium Gallery.

The route can be thanked for its part in the rejuvenation of the city, high quality public realm has led to new buildings and increased economic opportunity. The route has not only brought about much needed revitalisation but has unveiled the narrative of the city through its material heritage. Water features, lighting are all well considered and add to the experience of the city core. Local Pennine sandstone and metal craft work highlight the history, character and context which bring alive the industrial past and the undulating topography surrounding the city.

More good design sits just behind the start of the route at the railway station, with the recently restored Park Hill housing development by Urban Splash and the beginnings of Sheaf Valley Park which connect the station to the development.

 

Sheaf Valley Park

Steps take you from the back of the railway station and up a steep slope to Park Hill, the steps double as an amphitheatre and provide stunning panoramic views of the city.

The park steps are a part of a larger plan for Sheaf Valley Park, more information can be found here 

 

Park Hill

In 2013 Park Hill was nominated  for the RIBA Stirling Prize. This concrete housing estate sitting on a hill overlooking the city is being retrofitted into modern apartments fit for city living.

More information and location of the development on Creating a Sense of Place

Only part of the development has so far been refurbished and although to an excellent standard there is an eerie silence when visiting and the sense you are in recession hit development.

 

Sheaf Sqaure

The entrance most visitors to the city experience, grand in scale and oozing with the features every city gateway should have; water, lighting, grand steps and high quality stone with good frontage to the train station.

More information and location of the square on Creating a Sense of Place

 

Public Art

Every direction you look along the route there is something to look at.

The smallest details have been designed throughout, and the implementation is to a very high standard.

 

Winter Gardens

Walking through the cities Millennium Gallery you stumble upon a stunning timber and glass plant house, planted with exotics from around the world and an impressive glulam timber frame.

 

Tudor Square

The world renowned snooker venue the Crucible plays host to another well designed square, with large pods of stone scattered throughout the space.

More information and location of the square on Creating a Sense of Place

 

Millennium Sqaure

 

Peace Gardens

Planting design plays an important role in the cities spaces, with year round colorful displays of perennials and shrubs rather than the typical Victorian style bedding plant displays seen in many cites.

 

Barkers Pool

 

Street Furniture

Elements of street furniture from bins to bollards and signage all use a similar overall design but the materials differ in each space reflecting the character of the space whilst keeping a sense of coherence.

 

Devonshire Green

A surprising Gaudi homage in the North of England is not what you would expect to see towards the end of the route, this space near Sheffield University is well planted with a ‘Piet Oudoulf planting style‘ and sits in contrast with the other spaces. This works well in alongside the Bohemian cafes, shops and bars near the University.

 

Sheaf Square by night

The effect produced by the lighting a water combination provides movement and drama in this square which give the impression of a vibrant city.

 

This route, is good for the people who live and work in Sheffield providing spaces to sit and enjoy, spaces to meet and good connectivity to key buildings in the city.

The ‘Gold Route’ is an example of a  well designed public realm scheme that has integrated high quality materials and public art. Landscape design can play  an important role in the regeneration and economic benefits of a city. It can provide spaces in which cafes, shops, restaurants, universities and businesses can thrive.

Telling a story with a strong narrative based on the heritage of a city is also apparent in Sheffield and one of the best examples of city which understands and exploits its context and history through good design.

Sheffield sets the standard high in public realm design.

 


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