It is reported that the first phase of work to transform a 200 year old Sheffield steel works, radically improving the appearance and environmental credentials of the historic industrial site, is set to start this month.

As per report, Sheffield architects Race Cottam Associates have had plans approved for the first phase of their master plan to rejuvenate the 64 acre Sheffield Forgemasters site, which aims to become a showcase for environmental best practice in industry.

The first phase of works will include the external redevelopment of Sheffield Forgemasters' Brightside Lane façade.

Derelict buildings on the popular thoroughfare, including a Grade II listed machine shop, will be brought back into use, with cleaned up brickwork and new feature lighting. Arches bricked up for more than 30 years will also be glazed in a bid to bring the site back to its former glory.

Mr David Cottam director of Race Cottam Associates said that "This is not just an important development for Sheffield Forgemasters, it is also an important one for the city and will greatly improve the appearance of the historical site. The drive along Brightside Lane past the impressive site buildings is very well known to local people. The first stage of improvements to the Sheffield Forgemasters site aims to maximize the existing architectural qualities of those buildings, whilst bringing them back to life in a way which complements and enhances their immediate environment."

Mr Peter Birtles director at Sheffield Forgemasters said that "The approval of Race Cottam's plans is fantastic news as we are keen to progress the development of our site, aiding our ongoing expansion and capital investment program for new equipment. The site has been in operation for almost 200 years but many parts have stood derelict for much of that time. The redevelopment of the site will return it to a modern and presentable building, whilst sympathetically improving the appearance of the whole area. The whole project could take up to ten years to complete, but seeing work starting on the first phase is an exciting time for Forgemasters."

The Brightside Lane improvements are the first stage of a raft of proposals developed by Race Cottam last year for how the Sheffield Forgemasters site might develop over the next quarter century.

(Sourced from www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk)