Phase 2 work is underway at Castlegate as the park begins to take shape

Work to transform a former market square in Sheffield, which was once home to a medieval castle widely regarded as the city’s birthplace, has entered its second phase, with construction of the latest public park taking shape.

Following extensive archaeological research at the former Castle Square site, including the discovery of evidence of former steelworks dating back to the 19.^th century and the remains of Sheffield Castle itself, the project is now moving on to redevelop it into a park and event space.

During the first phase of the project, Sheffield City Council worked alongside construction company Keltbray, with this partnership continuing with the engineering specialists continuing to transform the site for phase 2.

Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of Sheffield City Council’s Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: “This is a hugely exciting project which has already caught the attention of thousands of people not only in Sheffield but across the country. Uncovering the remains of the city’s history has been fascinating, but the work of transforming the area from an archaeological site to the finished park really begins now.”

Throughout the process, Wessex Archaeology, who discovered the remains of the castle in the first phase, will remain on site to ensure those remains are preserved and ready for public display once the project has been completed.

Once completed, the Castlegate site will be transformed into a public park area with the remains of the 12^th Century Sheffield Castle is on display for the first time since it was demolished in the late 1600s. An event space with a capacity of 500 people will also be created on the site of a former 17^th century bowling alley, with heritage interpretive panels and public art, providing further nods to the site’s historic past.

Tim Barber, Chief Operating Officer for Keltbray said: “Keltbray is delighted to welcome this second phase of work to Castlegate. In the first phase, we were able to learn more about the historical significance of this part of the city. We now look forward to being able to provide leisure facilities and investment opportunities for people living and working in Sheffield.”

The River Sheaf, which gives the town its name, will also be opened as part of phase 2, making it visible in the town center for the first time since the Victorian era.

Cllr Miskell added: “Many people who have lived in the town for decades will not have known that this was once the site of a historic castle, this project will change that. It will also give everyone a chance to see the castle and learn about its history, including the time Mary Queen of Scots was held prisoner there.

“Castlegate will be a stunning site, an inner city park and one that will connect brilliantly with the regeneration work we are doing elsewhere, not only in the city center but in Sheffield as well.”

“Castlegate is an important chapter in the story of the regeneration of Sheffield city center as we transform it into a cleaner, greener and more vibrant place to live, work and visit. Alongside the likes of West Bar, the reimagined Fargate, the Heart of the City development and all the new transport infrastructure, Castlegate’s new public park will help us realize our vision of a city center fit for the future.”

Work on phase two began in July 2024, with the entire project expected to be completed in early 2026.