Two significant brownfield sites in Sheffield, once central to the city’s industrial heritage, are set to be transformed into vibrant new neighbourhoods featuring up to 1,300 homes. The developments at Furnace Hill and Neepsend will combine residential, affordable, and build-to-rent properties alongside green spaces and improved transport links, marking a major step in Sheffield’s urban regeneration.

Regeneration of Sheffield’s Industrial Sites

Sheffield City Council and Homes England have appointed developers to lead the regeneration of Furnace Hill and Neepsend, two former industrial hubs. These projects will convert approximately five hectares of brownfield land—equivalent to around seven football pitches—into thriving urban communities that honour the city’s heritage while providing modern housing solutions.

At Furnace Hill, a joint venture between Capital&Centric and Great Places Housing Group will deliver around 750 new homes. The housing mix is planned to be balanced, with one third allocated as affordable housing, one third for home ownership, and one third for build-to-rent schemes. Meanwhile, igloo Regeneration will oversee the development of approximately 430 homes at Neepsend, including about 20% affordable housing and 10% designed for later living.

Heritage and Community Focus

Both neighbourhoods will integrate key heritage sites such as the Doncaster Street Cementation Furnace—a Grade II listed building—along with the Cornish Works and Don Cutlery Works. The developments will also enhance connections to nature, notably the nearby River Don, creating spaces that respect Sheffield’s industrial past while fostering community engagement and environmental appreciation.

The regeneration is supported by nearly £70 million in government funding announced in February 2024, aimed at facilitating land assembly and infrastructure improvements. This investment underlines the commitment to revitalising these areas and delivering sustainable urban growth.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

Kate Josephs, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, emphasised the importance of collaboration: “These developments show what is possible when strong local and national partnerships come together with a shared ambition for our city. Densifying and revitalising our central neighbourhoods is a core part of Sheffield’s plan for growth and will enable us to play a key role in the Northern Growth Corridor.”

Amy Rees CB, Chief Executive of Homes England, added, “Collaboration between local, regional and national teams matters. Together we can boost communities with new homes and thriving places that people want and need.”

John Moffat, Joint Managing Director at Capital&Centric, highlighted the long-term commitment to Sheffield: “This latest announcement demonstrates our long term commitment to Sheffield. It’s our fourth major project in the city. By aligning public and private investment, we can unlock complex brownfield sites and create the neighbourhoods cities need.”

Helen Spencer, Executive Director of Growth at Great Places, stated, “Bringing new homes, green spaces and vibrant, well‑connected neighbourhoods to Furnace Hill reflects exactly the kind of long‑term, community‑focused investment we’re passionate about.”

Joe Broadley, Development Director at igloo, noted, “The Neepsend scheme marks an important milestone for Sheffield, bringing high-quality, people‑centred homes and public spaces that celebrate local heritage and create long-term social value.”

Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said, “With nearly 1200 homes, and 330 new affordable homes, the new neighbourhoods at Furnace Hill and Neepsend will be significant developments and a sign of our ambition to deliver good quality homes for our residents.”

What this means for landlords

The regeneration of Furnace Hill and Neepsend presents new opportunities for landlords and letting agents in Sheffield. The inclusion of a substantial proportion of build-to-rent properties, alongside affordable and owner-occupied homes, indicates a diversified housing market that can attract a broad tenant base. This mix may help stabilise rental demand in the city centre, offering landlords a range of investment prospects.

Moreover, the integration of green spaces and improved transport links is likely to enhance the desirability of these neighbourhoods, potentially supporting rental values and tenant satisfaction. Landlords should monitor these developments closely as they could influence local housing supply dynamics and community profiles in the coming years.

Looking Ahead

The announcement coincides with Homes England Live, a national event held at Sheffield City Hall, where nearly 500 housing and regeneration experts gathered to discuss accelerating new homes and thriving places across England. The Furnace Hill and Neepsend projects exemplify the kind of collaborative, well-funded initiatives that can drive urban renewal and meet housing needs.

As Sheffield aims to build 20,000 new homes in its city centre through similar regeneration schemes, these developments set a precedent for sustainable growth that balances heritage preservation with modern living requirements.

Source: Based on reporting from Homes England

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