We were the appointed as civil, structural and transport engineers on this exciting urban renewal project in Sheffield City Centre. Originally built in 1961, the vast brutalist concrete frame was revolutionary – designed to meet the social housing needs of post war Sheffield. The building gained listed status in 1998 and is the largest Grade II* listed site in Europe. The project includes the renewal and modernisation of the original apartment blocks, providing c.1000 new dwellings, the creation of high-quality public realm and new commercial/retail and arts spaces.

Our role in Phase 1, which is the taller north block wings, from concept through to completion on site, includes the repair of the Grade II Listed exposed concrete frame; alterations and adaptations to the building structures to enable the creation of new office, retail and residential apartments. We have engineered new public realm in the form of roads, car parking and landscape, which is central to the scheme. The design and construction work on this first phase was completed in 2013.

In addition to the design of the permanent works, we provided temporary works advice for phase 1 to the management contractor.

Particular structural challenges included the design of the permanent and temporary works for he ‘Cut’ to form the entrance atrium within the existing frame; the insertion of the new ‘corkscrew’ spiral stair; and the sensitive repair of the exposed concrete frame to the satisfaction of the Client and Historic England.

The development of Phase one was shortlisted for the Stirling Prize for Architecture on completion; and won numerous other awards.