Sustainable developer Citu has submitted plans for the first phase of the landmark Attercliffe Waterside scheme in Sheffield.
The 23-acre urban regeneration scheme, which will transform brownfield land either side of the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal, will be one of the largest zero carbon communities in the UK, featuring more than 1,000 homes alongside climate conscious creative workspaces, an arts venue and retail opportunities to bring the neighbourhood to life.
The first phase, located on the north side of the Sheffield and Tinsley canal, will develop the heart of the district, transforming six existing buildings into the new neighbourhood’s cultural centre including bars, an independent bakery, music venue and art studios.
A public and commercial square will be created, alongside a series of walkable, south facing courtyard areas and new routes down to the canal. A new pedestrian and cycling footbridge will connect phase one to the south side of the river.
Phase one will also include 447 new homes including a mix of apartments and houses, built using Citu’s timber-framed housing system which combines bold architecture with flexible designs, and sustainable, low carbon materials to ensure the highest standards of energy efficiency.
The houses will be constructed on a podium which sits above an under-croft carpark and there are plans to remove cars from the particular stretch of Effingham Road, to replace with pedestrianisation, public realm and incorporation of a cycle lane, as part of the developer’s ambition to create a car-free landscape.
If planning is approved, work will begin on the leisure and commercial elements of the scheme in the autumn and due to complete in 2024, ahead of construction starting on the homes in 2025.
Chris Thompson from Citu said: “Our vision is for this area to become a new destination in Sheffield, filled with independent, creative, and spirited businesses to kickstart the regeneration of Sheffield’s East end.
“For so long, this part of the city has remained derelict and underused, and we were keen once the development deal was signed in May to swiftly move forward with our planning submission.
“We’ve prioritised the leisure and commercial elements of the scheme first to put this area on the map as a place to visit and enjoy, and then when the homes are built, a place to live.
“We’re not just building homes, we’re creating a new neighbourhood complete with its own identity, one that incorporates the heritage and beautiful waterside location of this place. And underpinning this, is our ambition to establish a low carbon community that will enable future generations to live more sustainable lifestyles.”
Citu has major ambitions for the scheme to set new standards of sustainability for Yorkshire, building on its multi-award-winning treatment of previously vacant or derelict brownfield land which include low-carbon residential neighbourhoods in Kelham Island, and the Climate Innovation District to the south of Leeds city centre.
The land at Attercliffe Waterside, which is owned by Sheffield Council, was brought to market in 2019 and billed as ‘one of the most exciting development opportunities in the north of England’. In May of this year, it was announced that Sheffield City Council and Citu had exchanged contracts on a development agreement for the site.
Cllr Ben Miskell, chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: “It is fantastic to see the next stage in this development coming forward to create 1000 new zero carbon homes in Attercliffe. If approved, the scheme will provide much needed homes for the city, and will complement ongoing Levelling Up and Transforming Cities projects set to rejuvenate the once thriving area.”
