With the planned studios at Knutton Road still awaiting final planning approvals we thought we would take this opportunity to focus on some of the other cultural activity that has been taking place in the Parson Cross neighbourhood. Further info about the studio development at Knutton Road can be found at http://artspace.org.uk/studios/knutton-road

Working with Sheffield City Council, artists Scott Farlow and Antony Lyons have completed a public realm strategy with ideas for the design of public open spaces in Parson Cross and Foxhill; the People Places and Spaces project. Their website www.parsoncrossfoxhill.net now contains a full and summary version of the strategy. Ideas from the strategy include looking at how communal gardens, orchards and food growing; green routes and gateways; viewing points and public art works can help to create and link open spaces together, forming ‘Green ribbons’ across the two areas. The rationale behind this approach is to form networks that tie together new and existing public spaces and connect places together.

With the strategy now complete, Farlow & Lyons will be involved in the next step of the project (Stage 2)- the design and delivery of real physical improvements to public spaces in the two neighbourhoods in the form of improvements to the Parson Cross Park entrance on Buchanan Road and landscaping in the new Chaucer public square. Stage 3 will extend to other projects in the area to be created with developers and local agencies, including community groups and residents as and when these opportunities arise.

To find out more, or to register your interest in being kept informed of future Stage 3 developments contact Jonathan Ulley at the North Sheffield Regeneration Team on 0114 203 9568 or email jonathan.ulley@sheffield.gov.uk