Sheffield's city centre 'masterplan' to go on show

Public consultations will take place at the city's Winter Garden

Plans for the development of Sheffield city centre over the next decade are set to go on show to the public.

The City Centre Masterplan has been described by council leader Julie Dore as "crucial to driving forward our economy and creating jobs and growth".

The plan covers the next 10 years and aims to increase the number of people staying and spending money in the city.

It includes new business districts and improved transport links.

The plan involves revitalising Castlegate by knocking down Castle Market once a new £17.5m market on the corner of The Moor and Earl Street is opened later in the year.

Demolition will also allow the remains of the 12th Century Sheffield Castle to be excavated.

The council said it also hopes to find new uses for the 19th Century Old Courthouse and Castle House Co-op.

Plans for the area also include opening up the River Sheaf and creating a "significant public garden space or space... containing retained ruins and artefacts from various historical stages".

Councillor Leigh Bramall said: "This isn't about pie-in-the-sky ideas but about realistic, achievable but still aspirational developments for the city centre."

Other plans include refurbishing and re-ordering the Central Library, Library Theatre and the Graves Gallery, in Surrey Street.

The proposals also suggest extending the tram network to encompass the new market, introducing a city wide 20mph zone and improved flood defences.

A six-week public consultation will take place, including two open days at Sheffield's Winter Garden on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 May. The plan will also be available online until the end of June.