Gateway to the City

A key component of Sheffield's regeneration is the £50 million Masterplan that will transform the station and its surroundings into a modern, world-class gateway to Sheffield. The proposed improvements, some of which are complete, include:

• refurbishment of the station and upgrading of passenger facilities such as lifts to all platforms, CCTV, a new travel centre, check-in facilities for Manchester airport, and better retail units


• a spectacular new square in front of the station


• integration of Supertram and a new multi-storey car park


• a realigned Sheaf Street and better bus interchange facilities


• the redevelopment of Sheaf House and Dyson House with quality commercial buildings.
  

A World-class Square

Part of the masterplan was the creation of a new civic space outside the station. The square would include public art, dramatic lighting, tow ‘super-crossings’ for pedestrians to gain access to the city and an improved taxi drop off/pick up point. Dramatic feature lighting and floodlighting help to create an atmosphere of welcome and safety within the square.

The 'Cutting Edge' Sculpture
Cutiting Edge was designed in Sheffield and draws on the city’s traditions and aspirations of metal design. “Forming the centrepiece of the station square, Cutting Edge is a simple, elegant blade of stainless steel which will sweep through the landscape changing its shape in a series of curves… The end sections will be set with glorious coloured glass designed by Keiko Mukaide, whose glass sculpture also features in the Millennium Galleries. Cool blue tones will be used at the top and hot vibrant reds/oranges in the ellipse, lit from inside to radiate a jewel-like quality.

First impressions are crucial in order to attract people to a city. By developing the area outside the station and improving the routes to the town centre, Sheffield is able to give a good first impression to visitors arriving by rail. The lighting scheme helps to guide people into the town centre with ease and the Cutting Edge sculpture promotes the city’s values.