Castle site transformation begins in Sheffield
As the birthplace of Sheffield, the site where a 12th century castle once stood, the Castle site is bursting with heritage and history. This was not just any castle – it was once home to an imprisoned Mary, Queen of Scots.
Since the Castlegate Market was relocated to The Moor in 2013 the site has stood empty. But now, a major transformation is underway, set to breathe new life into the area and by 2026, it will be Sheffield city centre’s newest public park.
This new green space will feature newly exposed castle remains (thanks to a major dig by Wessex Archaeology), open up the River Sheaf here for the first time since 1912, and host an outdoor events space for 500+ people, while heritage interpretation boards and public art will invite visitors to celebrate the site’s long history.
Following the recent extensive archaeological research, including unearthing evidence of former steel works dating back to the 19th century and the remains of Sheffield Castle itself, the project is now moving into Phase 2 which will see redevelopment of the park and events space.
Phase two work started in July 2024 with the whole project expected to be completed in early 2026.
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Opening up the River Sheaf
The Sheffield Castle site is where the River Sheaf and River Don meet. As the confluence of the rivers and the castle combined, Castlegate was the original epicentre and likely the origin of Sheffield's 'making' heritage as a city.
This section of the river will now be opened up for the first time since 1912, enhancing the area’s environmental, biodiversity, and health credentials.
As part of the Phase 2 on the Castle site, work will now start to remove the concrete and bring the water into view again, as shown in the diagram below. 
Castlecam
The Sheaf and Porters Rivers Trust, a charity that helps to restore Sheffield’s wildlife habitats while celebrating its history, is giving us a unique view of the castle site as it’s transformed.
They’ve set up a webcam in Exchange Studios that posts images of the site every hour. It’s a fascinating view that will get more exciting as the project develops.
Check it out at: www.sheafportertrust.org/castlecam