Estate development moves closer

The president of the Architect's Institute says it is an eyesore

The £30m redevelopment of Sheffield's Park hill estate has taken a step closer, the city council has revealed.

The Manchester Methodist Housing Group (MMHG) has been named as first choice to run the Grade II-listed building's revamped rented properties.

Existing residents on the estate were heavily involved in the selection, council leader Jan Wilson said.

The council believes the redevelopment will make a difference to the area, she added.

Under the plans, the 1950s block will be restored to create a mixed-use development including housing, business and community space.

Park Hill is the largest Grade II listed building in Britain, comprising 995 flats and maisonettes.

'Vile building'

MMHG was chosen by the city council and national regeneration agency, English Partnerships. The preferred developer for the project will be announced in November.

"This is potentially one of English Partnerships' main strategic projects in Yorkshire," said area director David Carr.

"Through our work we are committed to supporting high quality development and bringing new life to established communities such as Park Hill."

But despite its heritage status, not everyone shares a love of the estate.

In August, the president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), George Ferguson, listed the estate as one of Britain's "most vile buildings".

He said it was one of a number of eyesores in Britain that should be given a Grade X listing to speed up its demolition.