Urban Splash’s vision for the regeneration of Sheffield’s Park Hill into a vibrant and sustainable community for 21st century has now entered phase 3 and we continue to work as civil and structural engineers on the project. Continuing the regeneration of the Grade II listed estate, student accommodation adds to the Park Hill community which already has a mix of commercial and residential developments.

Phase 3 sees property developer Alumno Developments creating bespoke student accommodation consisting of 70 units for 356 students. The accommodation designed by Whittam Cox Architects will be made up of 4, 8 bedroom 3 storey townhouses with shared living space. The accommodation will also have a common room, study centre and shops. Students will also have access to an on-site laundry room, cinema, gym and garden.

We are implementing innovative Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) solutions by including three bio-retention areas which act as storm water attenuation features but also add amenity, habitat and biodiversity benefits. The existing site topography contains a number of step changes which could present construction difficulties (such as overly deep manholes) when installing the drainage network. Our innovative solution was to design an external backdrop which protrudes through the retaining wall removing the necessity for deep excavation.

Another of the key ambitions of the Park Hill regeneration scheme is to improve the somewhat bleak aspect of the existing estate; the landscape strategy will transform the built environment through planting and the provision of green spaces which will instantly improve the quality of life. The laying of permeable paving also improves the appearance. It is likely that the transformation of Park Hill will provide a model for other community regeneration projects for 21st century living.

Phase 3 is due for completion in Q4 2021 and work began on site in October 2018. Kier construction are progressing well and way ahead of where phase 2 was at the same point in time.