Plans for a brand new flagship artspace in Sheffield have been given the go ahead by Sheffield City Council. Park Hill Art Space, led by S1 Artspace, has been designed by award-winning architects Carmody Groarke and will transform Park Hill Estate, an iconic Grade II listed building estate built between 1957 and 1961 which is located to the east of the city.
Once completed, the site will feature one of the largest contemporary art galleries in the North of England, as well as artist studios and accommodation for visiting artists. In addition there will be workspace for creative businesses, learning and community studios, heritage flats, and a gallery shop and café.
The existing concrete structure of the building will be restored, providing a framework for the repurposed spaces. Meanwhile, the new art gallery will be connected to the base of the residential tower, making use of a former pub as its entrance space.
The art gallery will be built from textured brick and concrete, making a material link to the original buildings of Park Hill. It has been designed as five interlinked rooms which are partially submerged into the sloped landscape and organised around a secure external courtyard.
Louise Hutchinson, artistic director/CEO of S1 Artspace, said: “Over the past four years based at Park Hill, we’ve worked closely with the local community to deliver a relevant and ambitious programme of exhibitions and events.
“The opportunity to build on this work by establishing a major new cultural destination for the region will be significant for Sheffield. This project is more than an arts development, it is about recognising the pivotal role of culture in shaping the future of the city.”
It is hoped that the gallery will be a major economic driver for the city, acting as a catalyst for its visitor economy and encouraging inward investment.
Andy Groarke of architects Carmody Groarke, said: “Our designs have been continually inspired by our client’s vision for a new visual arts venue which feels creatively progressive but also deeply rooted to its sense-of-place in Sheffield and to Park Hill itself.
“This marks an important milestone in the delivery of that vision and one which plays a significant role in safeguarding the future of Park Hill.”
Since being established in 1995, S1 Artspace has provided over 160 artists with studios, presented work by over 550 artists and commissioned 80 new works. It is currently now based at interim premises in the former garage building at Park Hill whilst it delivers Park Hill Art Space.
Images:
1. Exterior Park Hill Art Space
2. Studio Park Hill Art Space
3. Courtyard Park Hill Art Space
4. Lobby Park Hill Art Space
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