The regeneration continues apace in Attercliffe, which for future generations should have a completely different reputation than it does for us.
In my grandad’s day it was the heartbeat of Sheffield with steelworks and factories employing thousands of people and contributing greatly to the economy not just of the city but the entire country.
During the 1970s and 80s the area became increasingly derelict as the works were shut down, demolished and a certain pride was stripped from the steel city in a way that only those who have been through it can understand.
And then along came the much-maligned World Student Games. A superb indoor arena began attracting world stars to the city to perform.
The Don Valley Stadium was built and suddenly Sheffield was back on the map, but this time as a home for top level sport.
Further sporting facilities were developed between the two in the shape of iceSheffield and the magnificent English Institute of Sport but still the wider area felt run down, unsafe in places and a general air of neglect hung over large swathes of land.
There have been people who have kept faith with Attercliffe. A special mention should be given to property developer David Slater who has championed the area for almost two decades.
David has constantly pushed the area and there are many thriving small businesses who began their journey in one of his ‘Gateway’ offices.
The original Gateway on Leeds Road overlooked Don Valley Stadium and the view from there has certainly changed as the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park has grown out of the stadium’s footprint.
What’s needed now are for the service type businesses to begin to thrive again. Further towards Meadowhall a Starbucks is taking shape in what was the Carbrook Hall pub. Now whether you approve of high street names or not, they generally don’t move into areas without promise.
Hopefully the Attercliffe high street heading towards the city centre will begin to flourish. Places like Accelerate running store have created a great community feel, but they need more to follow their lead.
Our Attercliffe feature reveals an area that is rediscovering its confidence – and long may it continue.
