Lower Don Valley Master Plan

Urban Strategies Inc. of Canada were appointed jointly by us and British Land in December 2003 to prepare a Master Plan for part of the Lower Don Valley broadly bounded by Darnall, Attercliffe, the River Don and the Sheffield Rotherham boundary.

It covers an area of approximately 400 hectares. Underpinning each of the core objectives is a commitment to achieve sustainable development from an economic, social and environmental perspective.

Core objectives

• establish a clear vision and agreed path for its realisation
• act as a long term strategic plan to guide investment and provide a platform for attracting new investment
• raise the profile of the Lower Don Valley so as to support and reinforce Sheffield’s role within the region
• complement and maximise the beneficial impact of existing leisure and retail uses in the Lower Don Valley
• set the foundation for the introduction of appropriate new uses to the area
• provide a coherent planning and urban design context to guide physical regeneration across the Study Area and
• provide new opportunities for social regeneration

Lower Don Valley transformation

Over the next 20 years the Lower Don Valley will be transformed into an attractive, safe and healthy place to live, work and visit. A vibrant and exciting new mix of community, leisure, retail, office and business uses will act as anchors for the area’s new residential communities.

The Lower Don Valley:

• will be a 21st Century entrance for England’s fastest growing city and the most impressive regeneration story yet – Sheffield
• is a distinct destination within Sheffield, set apart by its unique industrial heritage, environment, easy accessibility and reputation as a well-supported location for business
• is also home to numerous creative and digital industries providing specialised business services in areas such as sport, leisure, and communications
• is a nationally recognised destination for sports, leisure and shopping, which continues to attract a larger number of visitors each year
• offers numerous employment and training opportunities for local residents – ranging from high-tech information industries to hospitality and retail opportunities