A love letter to Sheffield
It’s great to see you here, reading my first article as Sheffield correspondent. I was born in the city, but have only lived here as an adult since 2020, moving back after nearly 15 years away to be closer to my family. It was the instinctive draw of the place too I couldn't ignore - we had unfinished business together.
Sheffield, situated in the heart of South Yorkshire, is a city of contrasts. Nestled among seven hills, the urban landscape beautifully coexists with natural expanses, creating a captivating tableau. The rivers - the Don, Sheaf, Loxley, Porter and Rivelin - flow ceaselessly, providing a soothing backdrop to the city's vibrant life and the reason for its settlement and growth in medieval times.
The city's proximity to the Peak District offers a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. This connection to nature is not just geographical; it significantly contributes to residents' mental health.
Rebecca Farrington, your Sheffield correspondent, looking out over Sheffield city centre from Meersbrook Park. What a view!
A 2018 study by the University of Sheffield revealed lower levels of depression and anxiety among those with access to nature. I can vouch for this personally having just completed a 12 mile round walk of the city, taking in a slice of urban history and the semi-rural outskirts.
Sheffield's industrial heritage is also a source of pride. Known for steel and cutlery production, the city embodies the British industrial spirit. However, Sheffield doesn't rest on past achievements. The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, a collaboration between the University of Sheffield and Boeing, has established the city as a frontrunner in digital manufacturing, attracting investment and high-skilled jobs. At the risk of sounding old, I can remember when this area was a waste ground from the historic Orgreave Coking Works (yes, that one).
Sheffield's music scene has also been culturally influential, with considerable economic impact. According to a 2019 UK Music report, the music industry contributes £4.5bn to the UK economy, with Sheffield playing a significant role. I couldn’t let mention of two of my favourite bands slip from this love letter to my city, Arctic Monkeys and Pulp originating here.
And can we talk about the football?
Sheffield does face challenges, however, and if you love someone you should tell them how you feel. Social mobility is an ongoing concern for me and I’m sure local policymakers. The 2017 Social Mobility Commission's report ranked Sheffield poorly for disadvantaged children. Efforts are still needed to ensure equal access to education and opportunities.
Sheffield's transport system also needs improvement. A 2019 Transport Focus survey reported only 65% of Sheffield bus users were satisfied with their journey, citing punctuality and reliability issues. The 'Connecting Sheffield' project does aims to address these concerns, however. Anecdotally, there has been many a time I have stood at my nearest bus stop and waited for a bus that hasn’t arrived, the same is true for friends and family. What impact will the clean air zone have if the only choice people have is to drive or take a taxi into town? Not all journeys involve travel from home into town and back either, which poses a question for transport planners in Sheffield and other cities - how do we connect each part of the city with the other, bypassing the city centre?
Housing is another critical issue. Sheffield needs more affordable homes as highlighted in a recent study by the Sheffield Housing Company. The city has seen significant housing developments in recent years, and I have certainly noticed a boom in building projects being started and indeed completed, in the city centre and throughout the surrounding wards. For instance, the Park Hill Flats regeneration project transformed a once notorious housing estate into a vibrant community, and the ongoing Heart of the City II development is set to add further residential units to the city centre. I definitely welcome this having seen such developments grind to a halt in the wake of the mid-2000s financial crash. However, demand still outstrips supply, especially for affordable housing. Sheffield City Council's 2019-2024 Housing Strategy outlines plans to address this, including building more council homes and supporting housing associations to increase their stock. Nevertheless, it's a complex issue requiring ongoing attention.
In the digital age, high-speed internet access is vital. A 2020 Ofcom report showed some areas of Sheffield lack high-speed broadband access. Efforts are needed to ensure digital inclusivity, both in terms of access to an adequate internet connection, the hardware to use it and the digital skills to be able to use these tools for the betterment of our people.
If I was to conclude with anything, it would be my musings for the city’s decision makers. Is all this investment in the fabric of our city centre just window dressing, or will our lives actually get better when they have been pretty hard of late? What is the perception of Sheffield from outside - given all our history and strengths, do we have a recognisable brand like our neighbours Liverpool, Manchester, and increasingly Leeds? I am hopeful, and I welcome your thoughts on reading this, my love letter to my home city.