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Artist impression of finished Castlegate site

History of the Castlegate Site

Keltbray is in the process of delivering a complex redevelopment scheme to transform an historic site in the centre of Sheffield. The project was awarded to the engineering specialist contractor under the YORcivil Major Works framework.

Once a 13th century castle destroyed in the English Civil War, over time the site shifted from its medieval roots to become a hub of industry, with slaughterhouses, metalworks, and other trades occupying the area. By 1928, the site transformed once again, becoming a bustling market that served the community until 2013 which was eventually demolished in 2015. The Castlegate Redevelopment project aims to transform this space into a green public use area and uncover the River Sheaf for the first time in over a century.

Overview

The works commenced in January  2024, where Keltbray began stage one: undertaking earthworks to clear site ahead of archaeology, demolition of structures, clearing of site ready for stage 2 works & the delivery of concrete culverts for underpass.

May to August – Phase One (enabling works)

 

Castlegate archaeology dig exposing parts of the old castle
Castlegate archaeology dig exposing parts of the old castle

 

Keltbray worked in tandem with Wessex Archaeology during the site clearance and earthworks period. Wessex Archaeology undertook a 12-week set-piece excavation of the former castle, this has revealed much of Sheffield’s history. The castle’s impressive drawbridge pier was exposed, as were parts of the castle walls.

Phase One (Enabling Works) saw the delivery of 6 large pre-cast concrete culverts lifted into place by a 200ft crane, sat on Exchange Street. These structures will ultimately create an underpass, giving lower-level access between development plots to the eventual park flowing into an ‘upper plateau’ at a higher level.

pre-cast concrete culverts were lifted into place by a 200ft crane
Pre-cast concrete culverts were lifted into place by a 200ft crane

 

In July, demolition work began on the existing bridge structure above the culvert housing the River Sheaf. This was essential for the engineering of the de-culverting works that is now taking place during Phase Two.

August to September – Start of Phase Two

As Keltbray began the Main Works section of the contract, they commenced de-culverting to uncover the River Sheaf. Protective sheeting was installed underneath the culvert roof slab, to catch any debris or water runoff. Small diameter holes were then bored to allow for the locations of the ribs to be located. The first 15m of the slab was then split into sections by specialist subcontract partners, to permit safe lifting by the 200ft crane situated on site. Each section had 4 lifting points installed.

Bringing the community to the castle

Keltbray has actively engaged with numerous community bodies during the course of the works, including Friends of Sheffield Castle, and Sheffield & District African Caribbean Community Association. They have facilitated public archaeology tours, held CPD sessions with Create Sheffield and Historic England, in addition to providing work experience placements for students from Sheffield College, Sheffield Hallam University & offers to UTC Sheffield City Centre.

site visit from then Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Colin Ross.
Site visit from then Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Colin Ross.

What’s next for the site?

Following the first section of the River Sheaf de-culverting works, they are preparing to commence de-lidding a further 50m section of the river. Keltbray anticipate commencing these works in the coming months. Concurrent to this, site retaining walls will be constructed for the upper plateau section of the site (which will eventually become multi use public area) before backfilling the area for future development works.

Completion

The project is expected to be completed in early 2026. To stay up to date with the latest developments, visit:

Castlegate News (govdelivery.com)

Culvert Cam