The installation of pedestrian crossings, the extension of dedicated cycle routes and upgraded bus stops are among the proposals for the Road network around one of the most historic areas of Sheffield.
Dating back to the 12th century, the area around Castlegate is currently undergoing major transformation with a brand-new park being built on the site of the former Sheffield Castle. The project will also see remains of the castle put on public display for the first time in decades.
As a result of the new park being built, modifications are needed to allow safe access into and out of the park, especially when the event space in being used. Sheffield City Council has also received several requests to improve safety for pedestrians and bus passengers around the site, especially on Waingate, Castle Street and Haymarket as the city prepares for improved bus franchising set to start in Sheffield in 2027.
What transformation will take place?
As part of the transport modifications due to take place in the area:
• Pedestrian improvements – Brand new pedestrian crossing points will be installed at each arm of the junction of Castle Street, Waingate and Haymarket, these will allow people walking around the area the ability to cross the roads more safely as well as upgraded pavements.
• Buses improvements – To allow service access to the Castle Park site, a bus stop is being moved from Waingate to Haymarket where there will be three bus stops outside B&M rather than the current two, improving services for passengers as Sheffield moves towards bus franchising in 2027. One of the current bus stops on Castle Street will be moving slightly while another one will be moved around the corner onto Snig Hill. Both will be upgraded with new shelters to improve the experience for passengers.
• Cyclists – As part of Sheffield City Council’s Transport Vision, dedicated cycle routes are being installed which greatly improve the connections across the city centre. The route across Castle Street will fill a current gap in the network, linking the area to Castlegate, West Bar via Grey to Green and Darnall and Attercliffe. As part of this project, a dedicated two-way cycle route, separated from traffic and pedestrians, will be installed running along Castle Street and through Exchange Street – eventually meeting up with the Grey to Green area of Castlegate.
• Taxis – As part of the project, the taxi rank currently located on Castle Street will be moved to Haymarket, outside Heron Foods, in order to allow taxis the easiest route into and out of the area and to bring it closer to the shops for passengers.
When will the transformation happen?
The Council is asking people to give them their feedback on the plans before work starts on any of the changes listed above. If you want to submit your thoughts, you can do so via the Council’s Have Your Say Page.
The area around the historic former home of Sheffield Castle is transforming into a fantastic place to be. The addition of the park, events space and the remains of the castle itself will draw more and more people to the area. As a result, we need to make sure that the transport infrastructure is able to cope with the influx of people and that is what these proposals will do.
Moving the bus stop to Haymarket, upgrading the existing stops and the three new pedestrian crossings will help solve problems that we have been asked to look at for a while now. There is no point having such a wonderful new park if people feel they can’t safely get to it. Once all this work is complete, they will be able not only to get to it, but also to enjoy it all year round. The addition of the dedicated cycle routes is a crucial step to connecting up Sheffield and giving people a genuine choice in how they get into and around the city centre and will help cut congestion on the roads around the city.
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council
It’s great to see Sheffield investing in new cycle routes, crossings and pavements as part of this important project - giving people more freedom and choice about how to get around. Whether it’s walking, wheeling, cycling or connecting to bus, tram or train, the upgrades around Castlegate will create safer streets, more routes to opportunities and healthier, happier journeys in the area.
South Yorkshire’s Active Lives Commissioner, Ed Clancy OBE