The first stage of Urban Splash's dynamic regeneration of Sheffield's Park Hill is nearing completion. Only its concrete frame is listed; the derelict 1960s facades have been replaced with vibrant colour and glass - and look at that spiral staircase! But in this quest for modernity and luxury, what of the infamous 'streets in the sky' and the original architects' bold attempt to recreate a lively street life in the air? I'm visiting the show apartments tomorrow and will return with an update!
'Streets in the Sky' : "They form ideal places for daily social contact" (Sheffield City Architect's Department, 1962)
UPDATE: Upon visiting three show apartments in the newly regenerated section of Park Hill, I experienced the 'new' streets in the sky, which are considerably narrower than the originals, in order the create extra storage space in some of the apartments. When I pointed this out, the estate agent laughed and said "Well no milk floats need to fit down here any more eh?"
The flats are light, spacious and airy, with spectacular views over Sheffield - the original 1960s architects get the credit for all the flats being dual-aspect. All flats contain a staircase, as they originally did, as even the single level ones are below the deck level so require stairs down from the front door.
I was amused by this graffiti on one of the signs - obviously a very valid political opinion of the changing nature of the estate!
Some very good points made Ben, and I intend to question both Urban Splash and the Council about the destruction of community and what their intentions are regarding the tenants who had to move out and do not have the option to move back in.
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ReplyDeleteI think to start I have to comment on the quality of the new detailing and fit out, I hope it's as good as other urban splash schemes in the North and lasts for at least the next 5 years.
ReplyDeleteI think it's pointless talking about the design here as in my opinion it was originally a great success in terms of the facilities it provided , 2 schools a cafe something like that, were in New Islington in Manchester there is neither a school, shop or even a pub!
Secondly what on earth were Sheffield council actually thinking by telling the entire inhabitants of Park Hill to move out in order to make way for a 'new trendy elite' ??? The Sheffield council that has always modelled itself as being the socialist British ideal and now we have only a 3rd of council housing being made available at Park Hill presumably arriving in ten years time like many other urban splash projects, the result of poor private rental/buying uptake.
What we see here is the privatisation of council housing. It was created a working class not for the salaried elite and it should be given back to those that drove the design initially. Thanks for the Post Rob Chilton