Sheffield’s city centre businesses support the council’s plans to pedestrianise key high streets, increase public transport options, build more cycling infrastructure, and limit the use of cars.
Earlier this year, Sheffield City Council published its plans to revolutionise how people get around the city centre over the next 15 years. The overarching plans included various schemes, including extending the supertram, prioritising bus lanes on key through roads, pedestrianising some high streets, and building a network of connected cycle lanes. The plans also would restrict driving into the city centre, with fewer two-way roads and drivers encouraged to use the inner ring road.
Some have criticised the plans as being “anti-car”. They unquestionably prioritise using public transport and active travel, including walking and cycling. But the businesses that will be affected the most, those in the heart of Sheffield’s city centre, are in support.
Alex Maxwell, who runs bookstore La Biblioteka in Leah’s Yard, one of the council’s premier developments as it continues to revive the city centre, said he is a huge fan of prioritising cycling and active travel. “I am generally in support of the plans. They provide more options for people to come in and travel in different ways,” he told YorkshireLive.
“People say they would cycle more if it were safer. I think people would like that option, and that frees up space for people with reduced mobility who need to drive in. I don’t think it’s an either-or. I think it can work holistically as one.”
Alex, who used to be an urban planner himself, says town has changed since coming out of the coronavirus pandemic. He said more and more visitors have shopped at the bookstore, while people seem to be happier and more vibrant. He puts this down to greater walking spaces in the city centre. “It’s busier than before, and people are happier. Walking around, I think Sheffield is pretty good for green space and urban parks and benches,” he said.
However, while Alex, who admits he is slightly biased as he is car-free and uses a cargo bike to get to work, travelling more than 6,000 kilometres a year, supports the plans, he warns public transport services must go “hand in hand” with added cycling and walking infrastructure.
“The development has to go hand in hand with more public transport,” he said. “Bus routes cannot be cut. The tram has to happen. We shall soon see if bringing the buses under public control makes a difference.” South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority is aiming to franchise bus services by 2027. He also warns that work-related journeys, such as deliveries, must not be overly hampered.
Jim Campbell, store manager at Bird & Blend Tea Co, agrees with Alex’s positivity. “For us, having more people walking around would be really good. We sample products outside at the weekends, and it would give us a better opportunity to speak to more customers,” he said.
“More footfall for us is better. We have had a quiet summer, but since the weather has changed, our business has picked up again.”
But Jim, like Alex, has one key reservation: the price of parking. He says parking must be affordable for those who do want to drive in. Having worked at Meadowhall previously, where the main selling point is free parking, he has seen how the shopping centre has drained retail resources away from the city centre.
Jim Campbell is in support of the plans -Credit:Andrew Dowdeswell / YorkshireLive
A recent study by think tank Centre for Cities showed Meadowhall has had a hugely detrimental impact on Sheffield’s city centre spending. It showed that £1 in every £12 that Sheffield residents spend in a physical shop is in Meadowhall. For the city centre, this rises to £1 in every £20, meaning Meadowhall is pulling shoppers away from town.
The council hopes that regenerating the city centre with a greater residential presence, more public transport, and fewer retail outlets will transform the area rather than compete with Meadowhall.
Announcing the plans, Cllr Ben Miskell, chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: “As more people live, work and spend time here, demand for travel into and around the city centre will grow. To meet that demand, we need more attractive, reliable and space-efficient ways of getting around – so people can enjoy everything the city centre has to offer without creating more congestion.
“This plan responds directly to what you told us, setting out clear proposals for the next 15 years. It’s a shared vision – shaped by residents, businesses and the Council – and supported by councillors from across the city.
“Delivering it will require bold choices, major investment, and working closely with you to get it right. Together, we can deliver the city centre transport network Sheffield needs – and deserves.”
Ultimately, however, one thing will fix Sheffield’s city centre struggles. “More footfall means more business,” Jim concluded. Now, we must see if the council’s bold public transport plans will bring the greater footfall promised.
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