Grace Beard’s tour of Park Hill, hosted by Women in Property Yorkshire & North East

Flood Risk Consultant Grace Beard recently attended a networking event hosted by Women in Property Yorkshire & North East. Here’s what she had to say about the occasion, which took place in Grace’s new home, Sheffield.

Having recently moved to Sheffield, I wanted to explore some of the legendary post-war, brutalist architecture the city has to offer and what better way than to go and visit the infamous Park Hill housing estate. After being mesmerised by the immensely wonderful theatrical production, I knew that I couldn’t miss an opportunity to experience the wonderful landmark known as ‘Streets in the Sky’. It’s also the largest Grade II listed building in Europe.

Built-in the 1960s, the estate was designed by architects Ivor Smith and Jack Lynn who were inspired by the ‘Unité d’habitation’ housing development designed by Le Corbusier in Marseille. This development looked to transform lifestyles by bringing people together in a form of vertical garden city with all necessary amenities incorporated within; such as shops and restaurants. The ‘Streets in the Sky’ estate in Sheffield was built using these concepts, with each of the four street levels being wide enough to allow milk floats and direct access to all amenities.

Unfortunately the intended generational change from this style of design did not last long, as the 1970s brought with it many domestic issues including serious violence and drug use. These acts inevitably soured Park Hill and for many it began to represent a place of broken dreams and despair. In 2004 the estate was taken over by urban planners who made it their mission to renovate the neglected space, utilising glass and colourful panels to bring balance to the concrete façade, whilst also updating the outdated interior layout and design.

Fast forward to 2024 and the ground level of Park Hill is now a prosperous ‘high street’ with bustling creative spaces, bars, restaurants and private plots. The declaration, ‘I love you will u marry me?’ which adorns a high concrete bridge above the estate, can now be seen illuminated in neon lights, representing for many the rebirth of Park Hill.

The Tour of Park Hill event was hosted by Women in Property Yorkshire & North East. The tour, which was led by the hugely enthusiastic and knowledgeable Park Hill Residents’ Association provided me with a fantastic opportunity to meet new people within the construction industry in the surrounding area. I would like to extend my thanks to Women in Property Yorkshire & North East for organising such a brilliant event and the sponsors Nineteen47 for the amazing nibbles and cupcakes!

For more information on Women in Property, please visit https://www.womeninproperty.org.uk/