Local Area Information
Sheffield
Sheffield is a city and metropolitan borough of South Yorkshire, England. Its name derives from the River Sheaf, which runs through the city. The population of the City of Sheffield is 534,500 and it is one of the eight largest regional English cities that make up the English Core Cities Group.
During the 19th century, Sheffield gained an international reputation for its steel production. Many innovations were developed locally, including crucible and stainless steel, fuelling an almost tenfold increase in the population during the Industrial Revolution. Sheffield received its municipal charter in 1893, when it officially became the City of Sheffield.
The 21st century has seen extensive redevelopment in Sheffield. The economy has experienced steady growth averaging around 5% annually, greater than that of the broader region of Yorkshire and the Humber.
The City of Sheffield is near the confluence of five rivers, and much of it is built on hillsides with views either into the city centre or out onto the countryside. Sheffield lies directly beside Rotherham, from which it is separated largely by the M1 motorway. Although Barnsley Metropolitan Borough also borders Sheffield to the north, the town itself is a few miles further away. The southern and western borders of the city are shared with Derbyshire and directly to the west of the city is the Peak District National Park and the Pennine hill range. Sheffield has more trees per person than any other city in Europe, estimated at more that two million; 61% of the city is green space.
Sheffield is linked into the national motorway network via the M1 and M18 motorways. The M1 skirts the north-east of the city, linking Sheffield with London to the south and Leeds to the north, and crosses Tinsley Viaduct near Rotherham; the M18 branches from the M1 close to Sheffield, linking the city with Doncaster, Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport, and the Humber ports. The
Sheffield is also served by a number of coach services. National Express Coaches provides most services, using Sheffield Interchange, Meadowhall Interchange and Meadowhall Bus stop as pick up/drop off points. Sheffield Interchange handles most services and is the start point/terminus for a number of them.
Rotherham
Rotherham lies on the River Don, at its confluence with the River Rother, between Sheffield and Doncaster. Rotherham, at 6 miles (10 km) from Sheffield City Centre, is surrounded by several smaller settlements, which together form the wider Metropolitan Borough of Rotherham. Beyond the town centre and away from the Don Valley, the Rotherham district is largely rural, containing a mixture of farming and mining communities as well as the large Wentworth Woodhouse estate, where the last surviving kiln of the Rockingham Pottery may still be seen.
From 2007 the town centre underwent an extensive urban regeneration project known as the "Rotherham Renaissance": the buildings include apartments, retail units, outdoor cafés, and a new theatre. The project is well into work and is starting to show. As of June 2009 two of the largest buildings 'The Old Market' is now complete and open and is now dominating the skyline of the town centre alongside the nearly completed Keppel Wharf. Keppel Wharf compromises of mixed apartments and commercial spaces and is now nearing completion. The Imperial Building has also had its renovation and is now fully open.
aHistorically a part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, Barnsley is notable as a former industrial town centered on coal mining and glassmaking. Although these industries demised in the 20th century, Barnsley's local culture remains rooted in this industrial heritage; Barnsley has a tradition of brass bands, originally created as social clubs for its mining communities.
In recent years, Barnsley has been referred to as the "Tarn" by many of its residents. Barnsley is also notorious for its strong accent. Barnsley is located between junctions 36 and 38 of the M1 motorway and has a railway station served by the Hallam and Penistone Lines. Barnsley F.C. is the local football club.
Doncaster
The town is located about 20 miles (32 km) from Sheffield and is popularly referred to as "Donny". The town is situated on the A1(M) and M18 motorways, and is within 20 minutes of the key M1 and M62 motorways. Doncaster is also an important railway town, serving the East Coast Main Line. The 15-mile (24 km) A1(M) motorway bypass cost £6 million and was opened by Ernest Marples in 1961.
Doncaster is the 15th largest population centre in the UK outside London. The borough expanded dramatically in population with the development of coal mining. Within the region, Doncaster is being recognised an important European hub with developments such as a new international airport, Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield which opened in 2005. In addition there is the well established Doncaster International Railport facilities that link to the Channel Tunnel.
Doncaster has plans to demolish the old Doncaster College, the council house and surrounding buildings and replace them with more modern facilities including a new library, council house and swimming baths which together will form the Doncaster Civic and Cultural Quarter. There is also plans for expansion onto set aside land north of the new college (The Hub) if it gains university status.
Shopping-Meadowhall
One of Europe’s largest shopping centres with over 270 stores. High street names, designer boutiques and quirky craft stores provide an amazing retail experience. Meadowhall also boasts a wide range of eaterieis, an 11-screen cinema, crèche and award-winning programme of events.
Shopping-Fargate
A well trod pedestrian area in the city centre with a big emphasis on fashion. Street entertainers and specialist markets add extra colour - don’t miss Chapel Walk and St Paul’s Parade.
Shopping-Orchard Square
Award-winning courtyard with an excellent mist of shops including craft workshops. Check out the animated chiming clock providing a reminder of Sheffield’s cutlery heritage.
Shopping-Devonshire Quarter
Generally thought to be the coolest part of town, the Devonshire Quarter bustles with activity day and night. The main avenue is
Sports
Sheffield's sporting facilities are globally recognised. World class swimming and diving pools can be found at Ponds Forge, while ice hockey, basketball and many other events are hosted at Sheffield arena and international athletics at Don Valley Stadium. You can participate in hang gliding and paragliding in the Peak District, skiing and snowboarding at Europe's largest dry slope, indoor and outdoor climbing, in addition to sailing, windsurfing and other water sports.
Culture
A trip to Sheffield is a must for culture vultures.The Crucible and Lyceum theatres are Britain’s biggest theatre complex outside London. Sheffield also boasts the internationally renowned theatre companies and the Sheffield International Documentary Festival.
The city is a Mecca for art lovers. The choice of art galleries includes the Graves, Millenium Galleries (including the Ruskin Gallery) and contemporary art hotspots The Site Gallery and exhibition space at the new Yorkshire Artspace.
The Graves Art Gallery, locasted just off
Just outside the city centre, is Sheffield's centre for contemporary art - the Site Gallery. Both internationally renowned contemporary artists and up and coming names perform in this wonderful art space. Displays include a first class offering of photography, video and electronic media.
Transport
By Road
Sheffield links up to the national motorway network via the M1 and M18 motorways. The M1 situated in the north-east of the city, links Sheffield with London to the south and Leeds to the north crossing Tinsley viaduct near Rotherham; while the M18 comes from the M1 close to Sheffield, linking the city with Doncaster, Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport and the Humber ports. The A57 and A61 roads are the major trunk roads through Sheffield, linking Sheffield with Manchester, Worksop, Barnsley, and Chesterfield.
By train
The Midland Main Line railway, is situated south of Sheffield and provides services to the East Midlands and London (a journey time of around 2 hours): and provides direct links to Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Bedford.
The NE/SW cross-country line links the East of Scotland and Northeast of England directly with West and South Yorkshire, the West Midlands, and the Southwest: providing direct services to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Darlington, York, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol, Taunton, and Exeter.
Sheffield also has services to Liverpool and Manchester with Hull and East Anglia: providing direct links to Liverpool, Manchester, Hull, Lincoln, Ely and Norwich.
Airport
The nearest international airport is Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which is located 18 miles (29 km) from the city centre. The airport opened three years ago and is served largely by budget airlines. It handles around one million passengers a year. Nearby Sheffield City Airport opened its doors in 1997 but its short runway and lack of radar means there are fewer flights.
By tram
The light rail system Sheffield Supertram opened in 1994, serves much of the city. Its network consists of three lines, from Halfway to Malin Bridge, from Meadowhall to Middlewood, and from Meadowhall to Herdings Park, with all three lines running from the city’s hub.
There is no place like Holmes.
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