A release from the Sheaf and Porter Rivers Trust reads: “The image shows the right bank of the river with much of its concrete wall re-profiled to provide a series of terraces down to almost water level.
“The river channel is also transformed by the removal of the two-meter-high Castle Orchard Weir to create a series of gently rising pools which will allow fish and wildlife to traverse this reach of the Sheaf to and from the Don, as well as creating opportunities to revegetate the formerly sterile concrete banks and providing habitat for birds, insects, fish and mammals.
“An embankment slide will allow kids to enjoy the new landscape and a new footbridge will allow walking, wheeling and cycling access to the park from Exchange Street.”
It’s great to see the next stage of this fantastic project to bring the former Sheffield Castle site alongside the River Sheaf back into daily city centre life.
Being able to be close to the river once again at the site that was the birthplace of Sheffield will be a real treat for residents, workers and visitors. The designs look great, and I look forward to seeing this project come to life as the regeneration of the wider Castlegate area continues.
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of Sheffield City Council’s Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee
This is an exciting vision which has emerged from a collaborative process between Sheffield City Council’s design team and a range of stakeholders including the Environment Agency, the Trust, and other river specialists who have contributed knowledge, expertise and ideas. The team should be congratulated for taking on board so many of these suggestions.
Simon Ogden, Sheaf and Porter Rivers Trust chair
