Site preparation works to begin for Central Teaching Laboratories

The first phase of work will involve closing the car park outside IT Services to allow for the demolition of a number of disused buildings on Hounsfield Road, and for the energisation of a new electricity sub-station.

The buildings being demolished include a row of terraced properties and the former Sainsbury’s building. The University has owned these buildings for many years, but they are no longer suitable for modern use and are not needed for future activity. Sustainability will be considered throughout the demolition process and where possible, materials such as stone, setts and other reusable elements will be reclaimed for potential future use elsewhere on campus. Other materials will be reused, recycled or disposed of as sustainably as possible. A photographic survey has also been completed as part of the Historic Building Record. The energisation of the new sub-station will require work on Hounsfield Road itself, however, the road will remain accessible throughout these works.

Subject to final University approvals later in autumn, construction of the new Central Teaching Laboratories building will commence on the site in the new year. This project is being developed to give future students access to modern, flexible and high-quality practical teaching facilities for science, health and related subjects. The building will bring together teaching currently delivered across a number of older and more fragmented spaces, creating a more consistent experience for students and better facilities for the academic and technical teams who plan, prepare and deliver practical teaching.

The new facility will support the long-term strength of lab-based education at Sheffield, helping the University continue to attract students to subjects that depend on high-quality practical learning, while providing teaching spaces designed for current and future needs. More information about the planned building, its teaching benefits and its role within the University’s wider future campus plans will be shared later this year, following final University approvals.

Nine trees on the site are also earmarked for removal as part of the planned development. This work is not expected to take place until later in the year, after the bird nesting season, and further information will be shared before any tree works begin. In line with the University’s tree replacement policy and tree management strategy, eight new street trees will be planted in the local area in partnership with Sheffield City Council to compensate for the loss of trees on Upper Hanover Street. Once the Central Teaching Laboratories building is complete, the development of Leavygreave Pocket Park will include a further 12 trees and other new habitats. An additional 33 trees have also been planted around the city centre campus in recent years.

People using the area may notice fencing, contractors and increased activity on and around the site from late September. We will continue to provide updates as the work progresses and as more information about the Central Teaching Laboratories project becomes available.