Over 100 Apartments Planned for Former Sheffield Coroner’s Court Site

A development featuring over 100 new apartments is slated for construction on the grounds of a historic building, following its controversial demolition. This 10-storey project is set to be erected at the location of the Old Coroner’s Court on Nursery Street, Sheffield. The court, originally built in 1913, was torn down earlier this year, despite a campaign by Hallamshire Historic Buildings to prevent its removal. The developers, Parklane Group, stated that the scheme presented an opportunity to create new homes and regenerate the surrounding area. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that Hallamshire Historic Buildings submitted a letter to Sheffield City Council, expressing opposition to the proposals in an attempt to halt the project. They articulated: “The loss of the Old Coroner’s Court curtails the visibly historic character which at present extends up Nursery Street.“In the event that permission is granted, we ask officers to consider applying conditions for the provision of a plaque or display board explaining the significance of the lost building.“This is especially important given that loss of the building has been hotly contested over a number of years.” The Sheffield Conservation Advisory Group also raised objections, asserting that the development’s height would be excessive and its design of substandard quality, incompatible with nearby heritage assets such as Aizlewood Mill and Lady’s Bridge. Nevertheless, planning officers granted approval for the scheme, citing its potential to provide much-needed housing on a brownfield location and the area’s robust public transport infrastructure. An earlier proposal by Firestone, which received approval in 2020, aimed to construct 77 flats on the same site but ultimately did not materialize.