Sheffield's iconic Park Hill nominated for the 2024 Stiring Prize
A longstanding commitment to exceptional regeneration by joint venture partners Urban Splash and Places for People has been recognised today with a prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize shortlisting for Park Hill in Sheffield.
The nomination marks the second time Park Hill has been shortlisted for the Stirling Prize. The Grade II Listed building was first nominated by RIBA in 2013 for its impressive first phase of redevelopment.
Speaking of the news Mark Latham, director at Urban Splash said: “We are honoured to once again be shortlisted for the UK’s top architectural accolade – a testament to the creativity and design expertise that has been harnessed in the delivery of this phase of Park Hill.”
Once a prominent housing development Park Hill was considered a success in the 1960s and ‘70s but by the 1980s was commonly associated with anti-social behaviour and decline. However, for more than a decade, JV partners Urban Splash and Places for People have collaborated with progressively minded and pioneering architects to ensure that the transformation of Park Hill has become a community success story not only for the city, but also for the Yorkshire region and beyond.
The architect who designed the residential-led project for the shortlisted phase is Mikhail Riches, already a Stirling Prize winner for its work on the Goldsmith St project in 2019. The practice has subsequently been appointed for the forthcoming next phases of Park Hill’s development. Speaking of the news Annalie Riches of Mikhail Riches said: “We are thrilled that Park Hill Phase 2 has been selected for inclusion in the Stirling Prize shortlist. It has been a privilege to have been part of the continuing story of Park Hill and a joy to see a community grow there. Hopefully this project can make a case for the reuse of buildings of this era.”
Together, the team has delivered a uniquely unprecedented restoration at Europe’s largest listed building. The transformative works to create 195 new flats and townhouses for private sale and rent retained much of the existing fabric and upgraded it to high thermal and acoustic standards. The renovation and retrofitting was also achieved by incorporating, not demolishing the building’s structure and by including features such as an concrete frame.
Other placemaking-focused renovations have included a central residents’ garden as well as commercial space which now hosts businesses including South Street Kitchen, Nest, The Pearl pub and the Grace Owen Nursery.
Mark concluded: “Park Hill has a unique presence on the Sheffield skyline, an iconic history, and an emotional connection to the people of Sheffield. That is why it has been so important for the team to ensure that the character of Park Hill has been retained, whilst elevating it back to a positive and prominent position within Sheffield’s thriving community. We are delighted that has been recognised by RIBA and the judges.”
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