Crookes Valley Park_Ponderosa_Philadelphia greenspace.pdf

Masterplan 

Crookes Valley Park 

Ponderosa 

Philadelphia Gardens 

Prepared for Parks and Countryside by the Environmental Planning Team. 

November 2010.

Ponderosa, Crookes Valley Park and Philadelphia 

Gardens Masterplan 

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Crookes Valley Park, Ponderosa and Philadelphia Gardens are 

three green spaces in the Crookes/ Netherthorpe/ Upperthorpe 

area of Sheffield. They form a green corridor in this 

neighbourhood, linking up to a further green space and important 

visitor attraction, Weston Park. The ‘Crookesmoor Parks’ have 

seen various improvements over the past 10 years, but there has 

never been a strategic plan for the parks in order to guide their 

regeneration and development. This Masterplan has been 

produced to assist in ensuring the best possible future for all of the 

parks, and also to ensure they link up with the newly restored 

Weston Park and the smaller green spaces in the vicinity. The aim 

is to provide an overall strategy and vision for the neighbourhood’s 

environment, and offer complementary facilities for local residents 

and visitors. 

Initial consultation was carried out prior to the masterplanning 

document being produced to find out about the key issues in the 

area, what local peoples’ needs are, and to study the current use 

of the three parks, including linking them with Weston Park. This 

consultation has been key to the masterplanning process, along 

with historical and heritage information, ecological data and 

neighbourhood data. These reports are included as appendices 

to this document. 

During the production of the document itself, further consultation 

was held with the stakeholders regarding the detailed proposals. 

The report highlights the potential and problems of all three parks 

and, based on these and the outcomes of the consultation, a 

series of proposals are made for each park to establish possible 

projects, both small and large scale, for the future. Quick wins are 

then identified and budget costs are provided for all the proposals. 

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Environmental Planning Team

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Contents 

1.0 Introduction to the sites 

2.0 Brief 

1.1 Location Plan 

1.2 Introduction to Crookes Valley Park 

1.3 Introduction to Ponderosa 

1.4 Introduction to Philadelphia Gardens 

3.0 Project Team and Consultation 

4.0 Background 

4.1 Land Ownership and Planning Context 

4.2 Social and Ethnic context 

5.0 Crookes Valley Park 

5.1 Problems and potential 

5.2 Masterplan Proposals 

5.3 Priorities 

5.4 Costs 

• Crookes Valley Park masterplan 

6.0 Ponderosa 

6.1 Problems and potential 

6.2 Masterplan proposals 

6.3 Priorites 

Environmental Planning Team 

cont.

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6.4 Costs 

• Ponderosa masterplan 

7.0 Philadelphia Gardens 

7.1 Problems and Potential 


7.3 Priorities 

7.4 Costs 

• Philadelphia Gardens Masterplan 

8.0 Smaller Green Spaces 

9.0 Appendices 

1. Land Ownership 

2. Additional Project Information. 

• Crimean War Memorial for Crookes Valley Park 

• Ponderosa Football specification 

• Boathouse feasibility for Crookes Valley Park 

3. ‘Art in the Park’ Reports 

• Consultation report 

• ‘Mini Green Spaces Celebrations’ report 

4. Stakeholder Consultation Summary 

5. Minutes of the meeting regarding improvements for events on 

the Ponderosa 

6. Crookes Valley Park - minutes from meetings regarding 

fishing in the lake 




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1.0 Introduction to the sites 

1.1 Location Plan of Parks and Open Spaces included in the Masterplan 

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1.2 Introduction to Crookes Valley Park 

Base taken from GOOGLE maps 

Crookes Valley Park is a City Park, managed by Sheffield City Council, Parks 

and Countryside Service. It is situated in a prime location, close to the city 

centre, next to Weston Park, opposite Sheffield University and near Sheffield 

Hospitals. It currently has facilities which include accessible paths, playground 

facilities, two bowling greens and a fishing lake. It is home to an area of 

unimproved grassland, a priority in the cities Biodiversity Action Plan, and to 

woodland, which is approximately 100 years old. A wide variety of birds live in 

and visit the park, including long tailed tits, thrushes and waxwings. 

Crookes Valley Park is historically important, and there are several historical 

features on site which have been considered and treated sympathetically 

within the masterplan. 

This park is dominated firstly by the lake which covers approximately one third 

of the area, and secondly by the dramatic landform surrounding it. The 

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ground slopes down steeply on all four sides to the lake. Three sides are 

similar to the original landform remoulded down to what was a reservoir, and 

the fourth slope is a more recent man-made embankment constructed to carry 

trams along Crookes Valley Road (see historical context below). This slope 

includes terraces and a level area where bowling greens and a play area are 

located. 

The layout of the park is mainly formal echoing the rectangular form of the 

lake. 

This is a very popular park, the creative consultation event indicated that 

people mainly use the park to relax and sit down, as a route to other places 

and for exercise. Bird watching and the play area are also important 

attractions. It is generally seen as a welcoming and well maintained space. 

P&C have worked in partnership with the Friends of Crookesmoor Parks 

regarding the design and procurement of an island in the lake. This will have 

advantages for both the bird life and fishing on the lake. Construction of the 

island has recently been completed. 

Historical Context 

Crookes Valley was once open moorland, known as Crookes Moor. In 1791 

the Sheffield Enclosure Act divided up the moor into parcels of land, to be 

rented out to local farmers. Originally, there were wells and troughs that 

provided water. In 1785 an order was granted to commission the creation of a 

constant water supply, this allowed for construction of The Old Great Dam in 

1785. It was the largest dam, in a chain of ten, stretching from Ralph’s Dam 

(now University car parks) down to smaller reservoirs in what is now the 

Ponderosa. These with the Whitehouse Dams in Walkley were the first large 

reservoirs to supply the growing town of Sheffield. were gradually abandoned 

and developed into a few large residencies. 

Although at the time it was expected that the Old Great Dam, holding 21 

million gallons, would supply all the future needs of Sheffield, the population 

of Sheffield grew rapidly in the 18 th century, increasing from 10,000 in 1780 to 

50,000 by 1810 and it was soon too small. 

The Great Dam is the only one of these reservoirs remaining. At the back of 

the Dam, emerging from the hillside can be seen the early stone arched 

culvert which still feeds water into the reservoir. 

The Dam House is by far the oldest building in the area, built in the 1795 it 

apparently started life as the Water Company Solicitor’s house. In the 19 th 

century it was the home of the Hunter family (descendants of the local 

antiquarian Joseph Hunter) and later as occupied by waterworks and Parks 

staff and their families. 


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In 1881, the company leased the Great Dam and immediate surroundings to 

the Sheffield Corporation for public use. Under the 1887 Act, the City Council 

acquired the assets of the Sheffield Water Company. 

Crookes Valley Recreation Ground was laid out as part of the construction of 

the Crookes Valley Road viaduct in 1899. Before that there were steep 

slopes down from Winter Street then up the other side to Barber Road. The 

viaduct was built to allow trams to continue up to Walkley. Terraced areas 

were built up to either side of the viaduct and these were set out as two formal 

recreation grounds, one to each side of the road, mirroring each other. 

The Bowling Greens were laid out soon after the Recreation Ground opened, 

and has remained very popular. The Crookes Valley Bowls Club is now a 

private club open to the public and pays the city council for upkeep of the 

greens. Tennis courts were added in 1907 on the site of one of the bowling 

greens. A pavilion and public conveniences were added in 1930. 

In 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain, the land around the Great Dam was 

added to the Crookes Valley Recreation ground to form the new Crookes 

Valley Park. The reservoir was adapted for use as a boating and angling lake 

and thirty rowing boats were introduced. The Dam House became the 

Festival Restaurant and tea garden before suffering almost complete 

destruction by fire and total refit in 2005 to form the current pub-restaurant. 

In 1968, the tennis court was converted into a children’s playground that is still 

in use. Use of the lake was extended to the University of Sheffield sub aqua 

club in 1970/71 and a motor launch service. In 1985, high cost and low 

demand led to the demise of the motor launch service, however rowing boats 

remained on the lake until 1991. 

The playground has seen a number of improvements in the last 10 years 

many of them funded by the efforts of the Friends Group. The railings 

incorporate artwork by local schoolchildren from Westways who also helped 

artist Jason Thompson to carve the wooden benches. 


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Crookes Valley 

Recreation Ground 

c1900 


Recreation Ground 

c1900



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Remaining historical features: 

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The lake still dominates the 

park 

Arched culvert, the historic 

feed to the reservoir 

Inspection shaft 




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1.3 Introduction to Ponderosa 


Ponderosa is a large District park managed and owned by SCC Parks and 

Countryside. Although Weston Park, Crookes Valley Park and Ponderosa all 

meet at the junction on Crookes Valley Road/ Mushroom Lane, Ponderosa 

feels very isolated from the other two parks due to the barrier of the road and 

the dense woodland at the top of the park. 

This park lies in the valley bellow the embankment of Crookes Valley Road. 

The main contrast within the park is the enclosed woodland character at the 

top with densely wooded slopes to three sides and the open, close mown 

grassland with trees at the bottom running down to Upperthorpe Road 

At the lower end of the park, the landform appears quite natural with gentle 

slopes, whilst towards the top there is the obviously engineered football pitch 

which sits rather incongruously in the landform. Above the football pitch there 

is also, though due to its tree cover, less visible, the steeply engineered slope 

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of the viaduct. In fact, very little of the landform of the Ponderosa is natural. 

Much of the land below the football field was previously covered in housing, 

as was the wooded slope below Mushroom Lane. (See also Historical Context 

below). 

The lower slopes of the park are dominated by the six tower blocks situated 

within the park to the west. 

The path layout at the bottom of the park, which in part is overlaid on the 

previous road layout is formal and rather conflicts with the gentle landform. 

Presently the path network is poor, with many paths poorly surfaced or 

overgrown with vegetation. Due to the dense vegetation and the enclosed 

spaces at the top of the park, visitors have reported that they often feel unsafe 

in this area. There are steep wooden steps leading down into the park from 

the south east, which are not suitable for the disabled and are both a health 

and safety and maintenance liability. The football pitch was constructed on a 

former landfill site without a drainage system and has very little topsoil, 

consequently it is now not possible to hire this facility out as it is often 

waterlogged and the amount of stone that lies on the surface makes it 

dangerous to play on. 

The top end of the park is heavily wooded, with a wide variety of woodland 

species, including oak, wild cherry, beech, hawthorn and rowan (to name a 

few). In 1994, the Ponderosa Environmental Group carried out a series of fruit 

tree planting sessions. The site has a nature walk running through the trees 

and is a great area for bird life. 

The masterplan closely considers the recommendations from the ecological 

survey and incorporates these to ensure that habitats are further enhanced for 

wildlife. 

Historical Context 

Ponderosa was once part of the Crookes Moor. It had three ponds at the time 

of the construction of Crookes Valleys Great Dam. 

The land was acquired by the Sheffield Corporation in 1887. 

From the 18 th Century, sandstone quarries were worked to the south of the 

Great Dam; these were gradually abandoned and developed into a few large 

residencies. 

By 1900, the lower three quarters of the site was developed as the Port 

Mahon housing estate. This estate was demolished in the 1960’s, during the 

redevelopment of the Upperthorpe and Netherthorpe Areas. 

In 1899, the embankment at the southern extent of the park was created and 

laid out as formal recreation grounds (as noted in regard to the creation of 

Crookes Valley Recreation Ground above) following on from the creation of 

the tramway route along Crookes Valley Road. 

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Brick rubble was tipped on the ‘Ponderosa’ site, which raised the ground level. 

The Park was officially named ’the Ponderosa’ in the 1970’s after a popular 

television show. 

In the 1980’s the football pitch was constructed and the steep slopes including 

those on the embankment were planted with woodland trees. All that remains 

of the layout of the formal recreation ground are the steps and terraces 

The Ponderosa remained very informal in character until SRB funding in 2001 

resourced improvements. This enabled the installation of a formal path 

network, new entrances, and a climbing rock and zip wire. Moreover, it 

allowed a community art project to take place, generating interest and 

involvement by local people and children in this very important site. Since 

2008 it has also featured the annual festival, Peace in the Park, which attracts 

people from a city wide arena, proving very successful and raising money for 

charity. 

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Formal recreation ground on 

slopes of viaduct c. 1900 

View of Port Mahon housing 

estate from Crookes Moor Road



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1990 the recently installed 

football pitch and tree planting in 

the foreground



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1.4 Introduction to Philadelphia Gardens 


Philadelphia Gardens provide a green link between the residential areas of 

Upperthorpe, Langsett and Infirmary Road. It is a green space, owned and 

largely managed by Sheffield Homes. 

Parks and Countryside manage the toddler play area on the edge of the site. 

There is also a basketball court, youth shelter and skate boarding ramp, 

providing facilities for young people in the area. There are a range of local 

businesses close by and excellent tram and bus links. 

The majority of this park is situated on a steep hillside with dense woodland 

with paths linking the various play and sports features. A small flat area at the 

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bottom of the slope houses the main play area. And a levelled area on the 

slope has a basketball court. This park has a very informal layout, relating 

directly to the sloping landform and there is no formal enclosure to the park 

with very low key entrances. 

This site holds exciting design potential in terms of the topography and 

changing levels and has also seen recent positive activity as a result of Art in 

The Park engaging with local young people and creating colourful murals 

around the basketball court. The site does however present several design 

challenges in terms of: 

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• Linking together the very disconnected parts of the site. 

• Creating a park that feels safe and designs out opportunities for anti 

social behaviour and illegal activity (the current network of paths, along 

with the overgrown nature of the woodland copses and meadow areas 

may contribute to this influx of anti-social behaviour) 

• Creating a face and identity to the Park. Besides neighbouring 

properties, very few people are aware of Philadelphia Gardens 

existence due to poor entrances and gateways into the site. 

Historical context 

This green space is situated on the site of the old Kelvin Flats, built in the 

1960’s and demolished in the 1990’s. They were replaced with family housing, 

whilst retaining the green space which once served the flats. With its many 

mature trees, this space was developed into Philadelphia Gardens. 

Kelvin flats 




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Photo GOOGLE Maps 

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Remnants of environmental 

improvements to the flats in 

the 1980’s can be seen in the 

paving on Cleveland Street 

bordering the park 

Current housing on the site of 

Kelvin Flats adjacent to 

Philadelphia Gardens



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2.0 Brief 

Drawn up by Sheffield City Council’s [SCC] Parks & Countryside Service, the 

brief was to produce a high quality landscape Masterplan and A4 report for 

the three identified parks which: 

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• Creates a vision for future development 

• Links the 3 parks with the Weston Park branding as neighbourhood 

green spaces 

• Enhances the green links potential for the neighbourhood 

• Enhances the different strengths of each park and produce solutions 

to any inherent weaknesses 

• Attracts further funding for implementation of the proposals 

• Prioritises the proposals and suggests quick wins. 

• Provides budget costs for the proposals 

The brief also requires the masterplan to: 

• Be sympathetic to the masterplanning and branding of recently 

renovated Weston Park. 

• Use the consultation results provided by the Consultation Team as an 

important tool to help reach solutions and to guide design. 

• Use the results from the commissioned ecological report to reach 

solutions and guide design. 

• Be aspirational, innovative and creative 

• Reflect the landscape character of the neighbourhood, heritage of the 

parks and ecological value. 

• Address Green Flag criteria in the designs focussing in particular on 

conservation & heritage, community involvement, accessibility and 

making the green spaces a welcoming place to visit. 

• Take into consideration long-term management, maintenance and 

sustainability issues. 




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• Liaise with Parks & Countryside Trees and Woodlands Officers 

regarding tree survey, woodland management plans and tree condition 

surveys. 

• Explore and identify green routes in order to enhance accessibility 

between the three sites and Weston Park. 




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3.0 Project Team and Consultation 

Art in the Park were commissioned to carry out consultation with the local 

community to find out what local people thought about the three parks. As part 

of this consultation process Art in the Park (Sheffield) ran 3 creative art events 

in the parks, handed out over 500 questionnaires, attended a family event at 

Netherthorpe Primary School and led the consultation at a public stakeholders 

meeting. From the questionnaires we had 167 responses of which most 

people were from S11, S10, S6 and S3. We had 48 responses from children. 

13 people used Philadelphia, 95 used Ponderosa and 59 used Crookes Valley 

Park. 

In addition to this, a Masterplan Steering Group was set up and identified 

stakeholders and interested local members of the community were invited to 

attend. Representatives from The Friends of Crookesmoor Parks played a key 

role in this group The Steering Group met on several occasions throughout 

the process and were in email contact between times, and performed a key 

role in evaluating consultation, discussing issues, and agreeing priorities and 

projects. 

The Regeneration Officer also carried out targetted consultation with key 

stakeholders in the area through attending various meetings and giving 

presentations/engaging in discussion/ handing out questionnaires. These 

stakeholders included: 

• Walkley Forum 

• Upperthorpe TARA 

• Crookes and Upper Walkley TARA 

• Martin & Oxford Street Tower Blocks Tenants Association 

• Springvale & Amos TARA 

• St Stephens TARA 

• Langsett and Walkley Community Association 

• Crookesmoor Bowling Club 

• Sheffield University Canoe Club 

• Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet; 'Education through Angling' project 

• Woodthorpe Development Trust 'Get Hooked on Fishing' 

• ‘Education through Angling’, Abbeydale Industrial Hamlets 

• Sheffield Homes 

• Netherthorpe, Upperthorpe, Langsett, Walkley Community Safety Group 

• ZEST 

• Peace in the Park 

• Weston Park Museums & Galleries 

• No Limits Film Festival 

• Councillors 

• Ponderosa Environment Group 

• Sheffield Bird Study Group 

• SPRITE 

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There has also been some interest in forming a ‘Friends of Philadelphia 

Gardens’ group. It is hoped that this process will encourage the group to 

formalise and take an active role in the future development of the green 

space. 

Public participation and community consultation was seen as a key priority in 

developing a meaningful Masterplan which acknowledged the public’s 

priorities, fears and desires and considered all the comments and suggestions 

made. 

A full summary of the consultation processes and findings is included in 

Appendix 3 (Art in the Park Consultation Report) and Appendix 4 

(Stakeholder Consultation Summary) 

Art in the Park also carried out a 'Minispace Greenspace Celebrations' event 

in July 2010 at some of the smaller incidental green spaces around the Three 

Parks. The aim was to encourage people to come and use these green 

spaces a little more and try and find out how they could be improved in the 

future. The full report is included in Appendix 3 and makes suggestions about 

how future projects could enhance the green spaces in the future for the local 

community. 

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4.0 Background 

4.1 Land Ownership and Planning Context 

Crookes Valley Park is wholly in Parks ownership. 

The majority of the Ponderosa is owned by parks, however the land around 

the tower blocks is owned in part by Sheffield Homes and in part by Estates. 

Philadelphia Gardens owned by Sheffield Homes apart from small areas of 

Highways land near the play area. 

The full land ownership maps for all three parks are included in Appendix 1 

4.2 Social and Ethnic context 

From analysing datasets provided by the Office for National Statistics, key 

observations can be drawn from the results: 

• Student population: very high in the Broomhill ward (49.61%) and much 

lower in the Walkley ward (9.41%) 

• The high student population in Broomhill affects many other characteristics 

of the neighbourhood including a high number properties rented from 

private landlord or letting agency (26.97% as opposed to 11.32% in 

Walkley ward) 

• There is a higher Percentage of people in Broomhill ward achieving Level 

3 and Level 4 qualifications (Level 3: 42.77% and Level 4: 34.53%) than in 

Walkley ward (Level 3: 8.63% and Level 4:26.96%). There is a much 

higher number of people in Walkley ward with no qualifications (28.83%) 

which contrasts with the Broomhill population (6.71%) 

• In both wards people have higher than Sheffield average health (77.30% 

in Broomhill, 66.06% in Walkley, 65.23% in Sheffield overall) 

• In terms of ethnic groups, Broomhill has a more diverse population with 

10.40% of the population belonging to a BME group, higher than Walkley's 

BME population of 4.47%. 

As the information is taken from the 2001 census, the figures have to be 

viewed with a degree of caution but give a relatively accurate picture of the 

current situation. This information, along with other observations about the 

neighbourhood have been taken into consideration through the 

masterplanning process to ensure that the designs and proposals are 

appropriate to the area and the community that live here. 

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Crookes Valley Park, Ponderosa and Philadelphia 


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5.0 Crookes Valley Park 

5.1 Potential 

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Attractive space, well looked after and popular. 

The lake dominates the park covering one third 

of its area and is fundamental to the historical 

character of the park. Although it is a very 

attractive feature on a sunny day, it can be 

rather empty, bleak and depressing in the 

winter and when the skies are grey. Its 

potential should be maximised by adding more 

visual interest and bringing people on to the 

water as much as possible. The presence of 

water offers great potential to create wetland 

habitats and for offering more visual interest, 

recreational and educational potential. 

The landform creates a dramatic setting with 

steep slopes down to the lake 

Some areas of recent planting make the 

entrance adjacent to Weston Park attractive 

and welcoming and spring bulbs under the trees 

are spectacular. 

The presence of woodland on the south east 

boundary provides an attractive backdrop to the 

lake. 




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There are some great views across the 

lake from the terraces on the North East 

side of the park, these could be improved. 

There is fascinating history to the park, 

however there is little interpretation. Great 

potential to improve this aspect of the park 

The water, woodland and slopes provide 

some interesting habitats although there is 

a great deal of potential to improve these. 

There are several very popular facilities, 

the bowling greens, the restaurant and 

play area. The latter is however poorly 

integrated into the landscape and lacks 

any planting. 




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The entrances are rather low key and 

uninteresting. There is potential to 

improve the attractiveness of the park by 

upgrading these 

-Main entrance onto Crookes Valley 

Road 

-Entrance onto Mushroom lane 

The lakeside pavilion is currently unused 

and in need of repairs 

There is also the very active and 

committed Friends group 




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5.2 Problems 

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The park is dominated by steep slopes 

with poor accessibility in some areas. 

Some of the flights of steps do not have 

handrails. 

There are very limited flat areas. Apart 

from the lake, the bowling greens and play 

area, the only flat areas are the terraces 

below Crookes Valley Road and the 

restaurant terrace. This limits potential. 

Generally the hard landscape in the park is 

a bit run down. Some of the tarmac paths 

are worn out as are the steps and many of 

the seats. Also many of the stone retaining 

walls are in poor repair. They need repointing 

and their copings have been 

replaced with concrete slabs fixed with 

steel straps which are unsightly. The jetty 

on the lake is also in poor repair. 

Similarly, many of the planting beds are 

dull and declining. 

There is poor parking provision as the 

lease with the university, for weekday 

access, has expired. 

Although there are public toilets adjoining 

the Dam House Restaurant, these are not 

currently available to the public. 

Much of the historical interest is now 

missing, for example, the cannon and 

statue which once stood on the terrace are 

missing and there is little information about 

what remaining. 




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There is poor linkage to Weston Park and 

the Ponderosa. There is poor visibility up 

Mushroom Lane for pedestrians crossing 

and heavy traffic on Crookes Valley Road. 

The route from Mushroom Lane is hidden 

and the steps are in poor repair with no 

handrail. 

There has been a recent spate of vandalism 

Maintenance areas are unsightly and 

scattered around the park 




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5.3 Design Principles 

The key principles underlining the strategy were to: 

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1) Encourage more people to use the park 

2) Give the park a facelift. 

3) Improve accessibility 

4) Enhance the historic nature of the park. 

5) Develop its character, less formal than Weston Park and more so than 

the Ponderosa with more colourful ornamental planting 

6) Encourage new uses for the lake 

7) Improve habitats 

8) Improve existing recreational, sports and play facilities 

9) Encourage a through route. 

10) Involving Community Groups and local schools in the regeneration 

works. 




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5.4 Early actions prior to further design work: 

1) Levels utilities surveys. 

2) Feasibility study for use of lakeside pavilion. 

3) Feasibility of pedestrian priority across Mushroom Lane and a 

pedestrian crossing over Crookes Valley Road to the Ponderosa to 

be discussed with Highways. 

4) Parks and Countryside to pursue the parking agreement with 

Sheffield University 

5) Parks and Countryside to negotiate with Dam House manager re 

repairs necessary to re-open the toilets. 

6) Consider a feasibility study for reducing the depth of the water in the 

lake to increase recreational opportunities. 

7) Investigate the requirements for Sunday market. 

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All proposals are made in the light of information available at the time of 

writing and are not set in stone. They represent a balanced overview of the 

future direction of the Park taking account of all the constraints and 

opportunities described. 

Please note that although an attempt has been made to list the proposals in 

order of priority, this is likely to change as the availability of funding changes 

over time. 

Planning permission may be required for some of these proposals and this 

should be investigated and taken into account as and when proceeding with 

future design work. 

1) Improving the lake habitat 

o Islands 

In line with the recommendations in the ecological survey, the proposal for 

building an island in the lake is being progressed. The main aim is to provide 

nesting sites for birds. The recent depth survey of the lake has located the 

shallower areas which could possibly provide locations for permanent islands 

built off the bottom rather than the earlier proposal for floating islands. There 

is funding in place to build a permanent island later this year. 

o Planting 

Also in line with the ecological report and the consultation report, native 

marginal and aquatic plants introduced in the shallower areas would soften 

the edges of the lake as well as improving its habitat. These should be 

designed with care so as not to create too great a maintenance burden. 

Cost estimate: £18,000 

2) Improve Fishing in the lake 

Encouraging fishing in the lake in line with both the consultation report and the 

ecological report would enhance and further develop the recreational potential 

of the Lake and footfall in the Park. Construction of fishing platforms should 

be installed along the edge to prevent obstruction of the path around the lake 

as indicated on the masterplan. Location of the platforms should be an 

appropriate distance away from the island. 

Developing links with the Woodthorpe Development Trust and the ‘Education 

Through Angling’ project based at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlets in 

conjunction with the and potential renovation of the boat house would all 

contribute to achieving this aim. 

Re-stocking the lake is another possibility, however, consultation with the 

Environment Agency and angling partners would be necessary if this proposal 

were to be acted on. 

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The motorboat jetty requires a structural check to ascertain whether repairs or 

reconstruction is more appropriate. By extending it to both sides, it would be 

provide more space for fishermen. 

See also 'Boat house' below and Appendix 6 (Meetings re fishing in the lake) 


3) Boathouse 

In line with the consultation document, a feasibility study is being undertaken 

to look at new sustainable uses for the boathouse. The increasing 

deterioration of the structure combined with the results of consultation makes 

this project a priority. 

Several organisations have expressed an interest in using the building. ‘Art in 

the Park’, Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet for its ‘Education through Angling’ 

project and The Woodthorpe Development Trust for its ‘Get hooked on 

Fishing’ project are all interested. 

The building would require refurbishment and connection/upgrading of 

utilities. This work should ensure that it retains its character. 

The feasibility study is looking at providing the following facilities in the 

boathouse: 

• Toilet (this could help meet the public demand for a public toilet in the 

park) 

• Kitchen/ Tea making facilities 

• Classroom/ Office space (ideally two separate rooms- may be sliding 

partition) 

• Hot Desk Studio/Artist Space 

• Heating 

• Possible space for a kiosk to sell ice-creams/drinks etc 

Volunteers from the University of Sheffield have expressed an interest in 

carrying out the re-painting work which would defray some of the 

refurbishment costs. 

The feasibility report is included in Appendix 2 

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4) Woodland Management 

The ecological report suggests producing and implementing a combined 

management plan for Crookes Valley Park and the Ponderosa. 


The same report also proposed the following to improve the habitat in the 

woodland area: 




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o Improve the ground flora by controlling the ivy and introducing areas of 

native woodland plants. 

o Removal of non native saplings. 

o Replacement of bird boxes and introduction of bat boxes. 

o To ensure succession in the woodland, with trees of a wide variety of 

ages, new native tree planting should also be included in the management 

plan. 

It is hoped that much of the labour will be provided by volunteers although 

further costings may be identified through the management plan. 

5) Tree removal 

The masterplan proposes some tree removal to open up views within the 

Park, to enhance visibility and feeling of safety and to further develop the age 

structure of trees in the Park. Specifically the masterplan proposes: 

o Removal of the overgrown Holly Trees (but retention of the Yew Tree) 

to open up views from the lower terrace 

o Selective tree removal to allow the development of the new path from 

Harcourt Road 

o Selective thinning to open up the pathway through the woodland off 

Mushroom Lane as consultees identified feeling unsafe in this area 


6) Herb Garden 

The site of the demolished building could become an herb garden, enclosed 

with a low hedge and fencing and with more decorative paving, it would 

provide a quiet and fragrant place to sit. The design needs to take account of 

the potential for antisocial behaviour in this area which has been a problem in 

the past. 


7) Signage and interpretation 

Improved signage was raised in the consultation document as a priority. The 

Masterplan recommends: 

o Introducing way signs at the entrances to encourage its use as a 

through route, in particular at the small entrance off Mushroom Lane 

o Introduce signage to the Ponderosa and Weston Park 

o Interpretation of the history of the park. A single sign, possibly near the 

lake, highlighting the interesting features such as the lake itself, the Dam 

House and the head of the shaft would highlight the historical significance of 

this park. 

o A nature trail linking Crookes Valley Park with the Ponderosa with 

interpretation would be a great way to link the two parks. 

o All signage to comply with the design palette and where possible 

combine signs on the same posts. 


31 




______________________________________________ 

8) Toilets 

Reopening the toilets, in the Dam House, to the public is a high priority. 

Negotiations should proceed with The Dam House to agree and enforce the 

terms and conditions of the lease which are currently not being complied with 

(See above re potential for additional toilets in boathouse) 

No cost to Parks & Countryside 

9) Play 

In line with the consultation results the play area should be upgraded with 

some new equipment and further consultation should be carried out with local 

children as to the choice of what equipment would best bring new excitement 

and challenge. 

Planting a small group of trees within the grass area in the play area would 

help integrate the space into the landscape. 

If in the future, bowling is not played on the second green, the play area could 

be expanded into that space at an additional cost. (not included in cost below) 


10) Park Entrances and boundaries 

The entrances are a key starting point to setting the updated style for the park 

design palette. Metal gates and /or archways or other features with artist 

designed metalwork, combined with stonework would be appropriate to this 

park. The design should be high quality and contemporary, though in keeping 

with the historic nature of the park. It could include the name of the park 

within the design, and paving around the main entrance could be in a higher 

quality material, possibly introducing an area of stone. 

The design should also reinforce the hierarchy of the entrances with the main 

entrance, adjacent to Weston Park on Crookes Valley Road, and slightly 

lower key entrances adjacent to Harcourt Road and off the lane to the back of 

the Dam House. This latter entrance should be more visible from Mushroom 

Lane, and views down to the lake should be opened up by selective removal 

of trees along the stepped path. (cost included in ‘Tree Removal’) 

If the vehicle access for bowlers and disabled park users is to be via the 

current maintenance entrance (see below), the main entrance design should 

incorporate this, making allowance for a left turn for cars into the park from 

Mushroom Lane which is currently one way. 

The boundary on Crookes Valley Road would be significantly upgraded with 

new metal railings, designed to be in keeping with the entrances. 


32 




______________________________________________ 

11) Pedestrian priority to Ponderosa and Weston Park 

Encouraging easy pedestrian access between the three parks at the junction 

of Mushroom Lane and Crookes Valley Road, has been raised as a key 

element of the Masterplan. These are both issues which will require the 

involvement of Sheffield City Council Highways Design, who have been 

contacted for comments. 

No cost to Parks & Countryside 

12) Resurface paths and reconstruct steps 

A full reconstruction of a section of the path to the back of the Dam House will 

be necessary to bring it up to standard. Elsewhere, such as on the terraces, a 

new wearing course may suffice. 

Reconstruction of all the steps within the park, possibly using granite or 

‘Conservation’ Kerbs, with a single style would greatly improve their 

appearance as well as reducing the necessary repairs. The steps through the 

woodland to Mushroom Lane in particular would benefit from reconstruction. 

Handrails should be incorporated into all steps. 


13) Replacing seats 

Replace the seats which have been removed as highlighted in the 

Consultation document and continue the programme for replacing all the 

remaining old ones. Additional seating around the proposed planting on the 

north east bank of the lake would also be in line with the consultation. See 

the Design Palette for a suggested style. 


14) Retaining walls 

Dwarf retaining walls which are in a poor condition should be re-pointed (or 

reconstructed where necessary) with stone copings resin bonded to prevent 

removal. This would replace the metal straps, now starting to weaken, and 

concrete copings. 


15) Planting 

It has been proposed that the new style of planting recently introduced at the 

main entrance, should be continued through the park with the use of colourful 

herbaceous plants with shrubs. This would make a huge impact on the 

attractiveness of the park for visitors. Year round interest could be provided 

with perhaps some areas focusing on the different seasons. Some specific 

areas could be developed as gardens. 

o Harcourt Road entrance 

Small areas of similar planting to that at the main entrance would link the two 

entrances. 

33 




______________________________________________ 

o The curved slope below the Dam House terrace would be an ideal 

location and including some ornamental trees to provide shade for spring 

flowered azaleas, camellias and Japanese maples under-planted with spring 

bulbs, and herbaceous plants such as hellebores. This planting could also 

provide spectacular autumn colour. The trees would frame the views of the 

lake from the terrace and from the opposite bank the bright splashes of colour 

would liven up the rather bland view. 

o The path set back from the north-west bank of the lake would provide a 

wonderful opportunity to continue this mixed style of planting. The beds 

between the two parallel paths could be reshaped by combining some of the 

beds. Light shade could be introduced in this area with more ornamental trees 

between these beds replacing some of those lost. 

o Winter interest could be enhanced around the proposed new 

accessible path past the bowling building, and around the stepped route at the 

Harcourt Road entrance. 

o Additional tree planting on the grassy south-east facing slope would 

add some interest and provide shade in summer. These trees should be 

carefully sited so as not to obstruct the slope for sledging and sunbathing. 

Both popular activities here. 

o This additional planting would require a commitment to maintenance 

and additional ongoing funding for this. 

34 

o Planting to the herb garden is described and costed above. 


16) Improve parking for disabled and bowlers 

Parking was raised as an issue in the consultation report. Moving the parking 

for the bowlers away from the lower terrace would free up the terrace for 

pedestrians and allow segregation of vehicles and pedestrians in the park. A 

single row of cars along the current maintenance access road adjacent to the 

main entrance with a turning head at the bottom, would provide parking in a 

much less obtrusive location. This road would have restricted access and 

would be solely for maintenance vehicles, disabled and bowlers parking. The 

main entrance design should incorporate this, making allowance for a left turn 

for cars into the park from Mushroom Lane, which is one way. 

The turning head, at the end of the access road, may require the loss of one 

of the mature trees in this area, although the design should seek to avoid this 

if possible. 

The proposed additional path would provide an alternative accessible route 

for pedestrians (see below) thus segregating pedestrians and vehicles 




______________________________________________ 

Renewing the agreement for use of the existing car park, close to the Dam 

House and owned by Sheffield University should be pursued. This would 

provide further disabled and occasional parking with the existing ramped, if 

steep, route down to the lakeside around the Dam House terrace. 


17) New paths 

The proposed new path from the main entrance down towards the lake would 

have the advantage of channelling all pedestrians, wheelchairs and people 

with buggies through the new entrance rather than, as currently happens, 

forcing the latter two groups to use the maintenance road off to one side. This 

has no segregation for vehicles and is potentially a hazard for park users. 

The new path would be constructed with tarmac and laid out to an accessible 

gradient and would be 3m wide. 

A further new route, ‘The Woodland Path’, is proposed from the eastern 

corner of the lake, it would follow the existing desire line diagonally up the 

slope through the woodland to the Mushroom Lane entrance. This is aimed at 

encouraging the use of the park as a through route and in keeping with its 

woodland character, would be surfaced with bark with timber steps up the first 

steep section and would be 1.8m wide. 

Consultation evidenced that local people would like to see a new accessible 

path from the Harcourt Road entrance into the Park to give better access to 

the playground with pushchairs and also encourage more people to use the 

Park as part of their daily routine. At the Harcourt Road entrance, the 

gradients preclude a fully accessible route down to the play area below. It 

may, however, be possible to construct a new entrance about 20m further up 

Harcourt Road and a ramp from here down to the top terrace. This would 

allow access for buggies but would probably be too steep for unassisted 

wheelchairs. Most of the trees in this area (possibly 8-10no. See tree removal 

for costs), would have to be removed to achieve this, although without further 

design it wouldn’t be possible to be more exact about numbers. The benefit, 

however, would be that once on the top terrace, the proposed accessible path 

from the main entrance could then be used to get down to the play area level. 

Due to the slope, this path should be only 2m wide. 

A full levels survey of the area would be required prior to further design work 

on the three new paths. 

Accessibility generally can be improved by incorporation of handrails and 

tactile paving into all the new stepped routes. (Costs included in Resurfacing 

paths and reconstructing steps- see above but not the land survey). 


35 




______________________________________________ 

18) Reducing the depth of the lake 

The proposal to reduce the depth of the lake, from its current maximum depth 

of 8.6m to 2m, would be a major undertaking. It could, however, have several 

benefits for the park in the medium to long term: 

o Ecologically, a shallower lake would provide a more useful habitat in 

particular for fish. 'Education through Angling' and Woodthorpe Development 

Trust have both expressed an interest in developing angling projects in 

Crookes Valley Lake and are keen to see the habitat of the Lake improved. 

(See also Appendix 6 Minutes from meetings re. fishing in the lake). 

o The lake would be safer as shallower water would not be so cold. This 

may open up recreational possibilities such as boardwalks, and/ or boating 

could be brought back.( see below) 

Initial investigation into this project has suggested that the project is not 

currently viable due to: 

o Current market conditions dictating that hardcore is re-saleable. The 

result of this is that no revenue would be generated through this project which 

would make the project very costly. 

o Estimated environmental impact is significant with an estimated 3244 

20 tonne lorry loads of bulk fill (average 12.5 cu.m.) required to reduce the 

lake to a depth of 2m. (Estimated total fill required 40,555 cu.m). 

We have also enquired as to whether material currently being excavated from 

the River Don by the Environment Agency (as part of their river clearance 

work) would be a more appropriate fill material (similar from another aquatic 

environment with no leaching problems etc). However this too is fraught with 

issues of potential contamination with Knotweed, heavy metals and there not 

being sufficient excavated volume for a project of this scale. 

However, this does not mean that the project should be completely discarded 

and it may be appropriate to re-assess the situation in the future if market and 

other conditions were to change. Liaison with stakeholders such as the 

'Education through Angling' project may also help to find solutions to this 

question. If this project is pursued in the future, the masterplan highlights that 

the following issues would also need resolving through a full feasibility study: 

o Hardcore material would need to be carefully analysed to ensure that it 

did not contain such elements as plaster and crushed cement that would 

leach into the water and affect the pH and ecology of the Lake. This would 

have an impact on fish habitats and biodiversity. An alternative solution to this 

would be to bury the demolition materials under a geotextile membrane to 

seal the material in, but this would be expensive and there is the danger of 

damage/ puncture to the membrane. Topsoil would be required over the 

membrane to create a new Lake ecology. 

o The structural requirements for filling the lake, both regarding the 

additional loading on the dam wall and regarding a safe way to fill with the 

necessary compaction. 

36 




______________________________________________ 

o What approvals would be required? 

o An Environmental Impact Assessment should be carried out to 

investigate such issues as the likely cost and logistics of necessary 

infrastructure work to allow vehicles to access the lake, deposit their load, turn 

and exit, The cost of reinstatement of the road, dam lakeside wall etc, The 

loss of amenity in the park, the likely duration of the work and the opinions of 

the Friends, and the general public, what would happen to the existing fish. 

o Whether there is sufficient development to provide the volume and 

quality of material which would be necessary? 

Funding would also have to be in place to pay for the feasibility itself. 

In order to encourage more usage of the Lake by groups such as Education 

through Angling and WDT, steps can be taken to improve the lake habitat 

(see also above: ‘Boat house’ and ‘Improve fishing in the lake’). 

No cost as this is not a current proposal 

19) Developing more interaction with the lake 

o Boating and water garden 

Bringing back boating to the lake was raised by the consultation report and 

could be a big draw. However, further investigation is needed as to whether 

there is interest from a private concern to run such an activity in the Park 

Alternative recreational uses of the water could be included in the study. As 

the water covers such a large area of the park, it would be a shame to 

exclude the public from a more active involvement. One possibility would be 

to create a small water garden area, by introducing a series of interlinked 

short boardwalks, maybe in the northern corner. These could enclose some 

marginal planting and would either be floating structures, or be built off the 

shallower lake bottom. They would of course need to have balustrades to 

both sides, and perhaps a metal construction rather than timber could be 

designed for durability. 

The study would need to include whether either of these options would impact 

on the islands as well as the Heath and Safety issues. Zoning of the lake may 

be required to avoid conflict between boating and fishing. 

(The cost estimate relates to the water garden) 


20) Sunday market venue 

The proposal to use the upper terrace as a venue for a Sunday market and 

other events such as art exhibitions should be investigated further. This was 

raised in the consultation document and would be a great draw to the park. 

The existing turning circle, however, at the end of the terrace is currently used 

as a compost area and would be only just big enough for a car to turn. The 

compost could be re-located (see proposal for maintenance area) and the 

turning circle would have to be made larger if vans are to use it. (The 

minimum diameter for a transit van turning is about 13.3m) This could be 

37 




______________________________________________ 

done by cutting into the bank and incorporating a stone faced retaining wall to 

the high side. 

The potential problem of parking in the area relating to such events would 

have to be included in the study. 


21) The lower terrace 

There is a lot of potential to improve this terrace. A new home could be found 

for the Crimean War Memorial which is currently in storage at the Staniforth 

Road Depot and Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet. A considerable amount of 

research has been carried out about restoration of the Memorial and 

appropriateness of this site (refer to Appendix 2). SCC are currently in 

breach of a planning condition that dictates the Memorial should be re-sited in 

a prominent City location, but the question remains as to whether SCC can 

commit this kind of budget to such a project. The Crimean War Memorial 

could be located where the path widens out half way along and new seating 

could be provided. Views over the park from this location could be opened up 

with some selective thinning of trees and shrubs on the slope below and also 

the removal of the group of hollies between the bowling greens which 

currently block the views from this key location (this cost is included in ‘tree 

removal’). As restoration and installation of this could be very costly, in the 

order of £320,000, alternatives could be considered, perhaps a contemporary 

sun dial or other sculptural feature. 

At the far end of this terrace, there is a space beyond the steps which would 

be perfect for a new feature or sculpture. This idea was also raised in the 

consultation report. 

Cost estimate with Crimean War memorial and sculpture: £375,000 

Alternative with sundial and sculpture: £88,000 

22) CCTV 

A CCTV link with the one in Weston Park would reduce the occurrence of 

anti-social behaviour and its close proximity to Weston Park may reduce the 

costs. 


23) Enclosure for maintenance area 

Currently maintenance areas are dotted about the park with a composting 

area at the end of the top terrace a leaf-mold heap on the lower terrace where 

it widens out half way along and a skip in a corner near the play area. All are 

unsightly and should be grouped together and screened. 

The area adjacent to the skip could be adapted and enlarged to the minimum 

workable area working around the existing mature trees where ever possible. 

It should be fenced with screen planting. Possibly a hedge with weldmesh 

fencing or a shrub bed with well designed heavy duty timber fencing and 

heavy duty gates. The maintenance area should be repaved with in-situ 

38 




______________________________________________ 

concrete for ease of use by machines. This would create a much more useful 

space for the maintenance team. 


24) Bowling greens 

o Second Bowling Green: Whilst the bowling green is used occasionally 

for matches, future use of this Green needs to be monitored as it may be 

more appropriate for this area to be developed for alternative use. This needs 

to fit in with SCC Bowling Strategy and be reviewed as a city wide level. 

Should the second bowling green be decommissioned at some point in the 

future, it is important to retain the revenue funding that currently pays for 

upkeep of this Green within the Park to fund additional maintenance 

suggested by the masterplan. Alternative uses of this space could include a 

larger playground (perhaps natural play to complement the more traditional 

existing equipment), flat space for games, or informal space for picnicking etc. 

o Signage on the bowling green to discourage football and other 

detrimental activities 

o Some improvements, in the form of drainage and irrigation, should be 

carried out to the main bowling green would improve this facility. Drainage 

was highlighted in the consultation report. 


25) Maintenance 

o Japanese Knotweed 

This weed is present in a couple of locations within the park and should be 

controlled or eradicated as raised in the ecological report. 

The locations are below the lower terrace (adjacent to the play area) and 

adjacent to 17 Harcourt Road. 

o North-west bank 

Less frequent mowing of this slope could be followed by monitoring of the 

indicator species in line with the ecological report. 

There is no cost to this proposal 

No capital cost 

39 




______________________________________________ 

7.7 Design Palette 

It is felt that the three adjoining parks should retain and enhance their 

separate, distinctive characters. The individual character is to a large extent 

created by the choice of materials for walls and paving, the design and colour 

of railings and items such as seats and bins, and the type and design of 

planting as much as by the facilities within the park. 

• Entrances and boundaries 

The design of metalwork for the entrances and boundaries should be simple 

and elegant whilst acknowledging the historic nature of the park 

Black rather than green should be chosen for new metalwork. This would 

look smarter and fresher than the existing dark green, and contrast with the 

colour of the adjacent railings at Weston Park. 

• Seats 

Some replacement seats have recently been installed in the park around the 

lake. These are generally in keeping with the historic nature of park, however 

the seat used with its recycled plastic slats is much less elegant than the 

original ones, requiring a central support leg and the plastic being prone to 

melting. Perhaps future replacements away from the lake side could be a 

design more like the one illustrated with timber slats. These would retain the 

elegance of design of the originals whilst providing a robust construction. 

New Forest cast iron and 

timber seat from Furnitubes 

40 

Recently installed seats with 

recycled plastic slats 

• Bins 

Back and green ‘Sentinel’ bins have recently been installed. Although a bit 

fussy in design, they are in keeping with the character of the park so any 

additional bins should match these. 




______________________________________________ 

Recently installed ‘Sentinel’ bins 

• Paving 

Paving should generally be tarmac with simple concrete edgings except for at 

the entrances where locally, granite setts or York stone could be incorporated 

into the design. The herb garden could also incorporate stone paving. The 

proposed woodland walk should be crushed bark. 

• Walls 

New walls should be stone to match the style of the original 

• Signage interpretation boards and way-marking 

A family of signage should follow through all three parks. Any metalwork 

elements should be painted black for continuity 

41 

Fitzpatrick Woolmer lectern style display 

board which would be suitable for the 

historical information board 

An example of graphics style which 

suitable for information boards 




______________________________________________ 

42 

‘Stylos’ finger post by William Smith 

appropriate for both signing directions 

within and between the parks. 

The posts should be painted black with 

white lettering 

Timber posts appropriate for way-marking 

the trails 




______________________________________________ 

7.8 Quick wins 

• Lake improvements including installation of the island, vegetating the lake, 

fishing platforms and work to the jetty. 

• Signage to Ponderosa/ Weston Park 

• Interpretation within the Park 

• Reconstruction of steps and installation of handrails on the steep route 

down from Mushroom Lane 

• Upgrading of the playground 

• Feasibility study for and refurbishment of Boat house 

• Commission woodland management plan and implement 

• Treatment of Japanese knotweed 

43 




______________________________________________ 

7.9 Crookes Valley Park Budget Estimate 

See notes re qualifications and exclusions 

cont. 

44 

Description 

Breakdown 

£ 


Amount £ 

including 

contingency 

Improving lake habitat 18,000.00 

islands 11,000.00 

planting 8,000.00 

Improving fishing in lake 20,000.00 

platforms 10,000.00 

jetty 10,000.00 

Boathouse 126,000.00 

feasibility study 2,000.00 

construction estimate 124,000.00 

Woodland management plan for Crookes 

Valley Pk and Ponderosa 

1,000.00 

Tree removal 10,000.00 

Herb Garden includes paving, 6 seats and a bin, 

plus planting and fence 

25,000.00 

Signage and interpretation 20,000.00 

entrance signs 4no@2k 9,000.00 

finger posts 3no. @2k 7,000.00 

history interpretation 2no Lecturn signs @1k 2,000.00 

8no bollards @£200 2,000.00 

Toilets no cost to 

Parks 

Play 33,000.00 

Park entrances 135,000.00 

new railing to crookes Valley Road 

250lm@£300/m 

75,000.00 

main entrance 27,000.00 

2no. ped entrances 22,000.00 

new entrance (excluding stepped ramp) 11,000.00 

Highway Ped priority to Ponderosa and 

Weston Park 

no cost to 

Parks



______________________________________________ 

cont. 

45 

Resurface paths and reconstruct steps , 111,000.00 

resurface terraces @ £10/m2 33,000.00 

access road to Dam house 550m2@£20 12,000.00 

steps to terraces 44,000.00 

other steps 22,000.00 

Replace seats 20no@ £450 9,000.00 

Retaining walls 200lm@ £75/lm 17,000.00 

Planting 30,000.00 

Harcourt Rd entrance 5,000.00 

slope below Dam House 15,000.00 

adjacent new path 7,000.00 

n-w bank and other trees 3,000.00 

Parking at main entrance 26,000.00 

tarmac 5K 6,000.00 

retention and fence 17,000.00 

line marking 3,000.00 

New paths 59,000.00 

new path from main entrance 70lm @ K200/lm 16,000.00 

woodland path 150lm @ £100/lm includes some 

cut and fill 

17,000.00 

new path from Harcourt Road 22,000.00 

levels survey 4,000.00 

Increasing use of lake water garden 17,000.00 

Sunday market venue 20,000.00 

improved turning head 3,000.00 

retaining structure 17,000.00 

Lower terrace 372,000.00 

Crimea war memorial 350,000.00 

sculpture 22,000.00 

Alternative proposal for lower terrace 88,000.00 

sundial 66,000.00 

sculpture 22,000.00 

CCTV 17,000.00 

Enclosure for maintenance area 22,000.00 




______________________________________________ 

46 

Bowling Greens 12,000.00 

drainage 5,000.00 

irrigation 7,000.00 

Maintenance north west bank and knotweed no capital 

cost 

TOTAL 1,209,000.00 

Qualifications: 

• Costs are based on 2010 rates 

• Costs are based on traditional competitive tendering to main 

contractors 

• Contingencies of 10% are included in the breakdown 

Exclusions: 

• vat 

• Professional fees 

• Building regulations and planning fees 

• Inflation 


Grass 

Car park 

16 

Woodland and trees 

Proposed new trees 

Herb garden 

Proposed ornamental planting 

Existing paths 

New paths 

Stepped route 

Main entrance with boundary 

Minor entrance with boundary 

Boat house 

3 

Dam House 

Existing vehicular and pedestrian entrance 

Existing pedestrian entrance 

6 

New pedestrian entrance 

HARCOURT ROAD 

21 

8 

New ramped entrance 

13 

1 

15 

15 

Turning head 

Sculpture 

Water garden 

Jetty 

2 

12 

22 

10 

20 

Lake 

Island 

1 

17 

18 

9 

5 

5 

12 

7 

12 

Play area 

Bowling green 

Fishing platforms 

2 

12 

10 

14 

13 

CROOKES VALLEY ROAD 

Sundial/ Crimea War 

Memorial 

5 

17 

4 

12 

Bowling green 

14 

19 

20 

23 

Bowling hut 

12 

7 

MUSHROOM LANE 

16 

12 

17 

N 

1 Improve the lake habitat 

2 Improve fishing in the lake 

3 Upgrade the boathouse 

4 Woodland management 

5 Open up views with tree removal 

6 Herb garden 

7 New signage and interpretation 

8 Reopen toilets 

9 Improve play 

10 Improve entrances and boundaries 

11 Pedestrian priority to Ponderosa and Weston Park 

12 Resurface paths and reconstruct steps 

13 Replace seats 

14 Repair retaining walls 

15 New planting 

16 Improve parking for disabled and bowlers 

17 New paths to make the park more accessible 

18 More interaction with the lake 

19 Sunday Market venue 

20 New features on the lower terrace 

21 Install CCTV 

22 Enclosure for the maintenance area 

23 Improve main bowling green and consider the 

future of second green 

Crookes Valley Park Masterplan 

7 

10 

11



______________________________________________ 

6.0 Ponderosa 

6.1 Potential 

47 

The main potential is the great amount of available 

space to develop additional facilities and for more 

events. 

The open grass area at the bottom of the park has 

been used as an event space in recent years and 

there are plans to develop this. 

There are spectacular views across the lower end of 

the park which could be enhanced. 

Some good pedestrian routes through the park which 

could be improved and linked. 

Good facilities including the 5-aside goals, the 

toddler play facilities, the zip line and the climbing 

boulder. 




______________________________________________ 

48 

The historic character at the top of the park could be 

enhanced. 

-Stone gate posts below the woodland 

-Steps up the wooded slope with interesting stone 

retaining wall 

The dramatic character of the top of the park, with its 

woodland slopes and terraced paths could be 

enhanced and improved 

-Stepped ramp up to Crookes Valley Road 

Potentially great views into the park from Crookes 

Valley Road and Mushroom Lane 




______________________________________________ 

49 

The woodland slopes are good for wildlife but as 

pointed out in the ecology report, this habitat could 

be improved. 

As with Crookes Valley Park, the Friends are very 

involved and active. 




______________________________________________ 

6.2 Problems 

50 

The bottom of the park in particular, lacks a 

clear identity with featureless boundaries and 

entrances. It feels more like a characterless 

open space than a park. 

The bottom of the park lacks an adequate 

vehicular entrance. 

Views from Crookes Valley Road and 

Mushroom lane are totally blocked by dense 

woodland and the entrances feel overgrown 

and dark with poor sight lines. This leads to a 

perceived lack of safety in this area. 




______________________________________________ 

51 

Paths and Access: 

There isn’t a circular route around the park, 

without using the surrounding roads. 

Desire lines through the grass indicate the need 

for additional paths. Visible here at the bottom of 

the ‘Hundred Steps’ 

There is a lack of clarity of circulation, with path 

widths and surfacing bearing no relation to the 

importance of the routes. Some tarmac paths are 

in poor repair and some are un-surfaced. The 

photos opposite show one of the paths at the 

bottom of the park and the onebetween the 

football pitch and the woodland. 

Some paths are not wide enough and others have 

sudden changes in width due to historic road 

widths. 

Whilst indicating a certain historic interest, this is 

outweighed by the uneasy and unfinished 

character it imposes at the bottom of the park. 




______________________________________________ 

52 

The straight path which runs up the park below 

the tower blocks narrows abruptly from 5m at 

the bottom to less than 2m further up. There 

are additional areas of tarmac off this path with 

no apparent purpose which are also remnants 

of the old road system, and the uncomfortable 

feel is compounded with one side of the path 

being edged with road kerbs and the other side 

having a flush edging. 

The two main paths crossing the park, which 

were once sections of roads, (Fawcett Street 

and Hammond Street) are approximately 5m 

wide and so out of scale with the adjacent 

paths. 

Both of these paths flood in heavy rain at their 

lowest points. 

There is poor accessibility to the top of the park 

with steep gradients and many flights of steps 

with no handrails 

The football pitch is currently unusable due to 

poor drainage and inadequate construction. 




______________________________________________ 

53 

There is a lack of signage relating to facilities 

within the park as well as to and from the park. 

Seating and bins: some seats are in poor repair 

and generally there are not enough of either. 

The buttresses at the base of the tower blocks 

are unsightly. 

There is little management of the woodland 

which has a dense understorey. 




______________________________________________ 

6.3 Design Principles for the Ponderosa 


54 

• Encourage more people to use the park in more diverse ways 

• Develop existing facilities and introduce new ones with an emphasis on 

physical activity and events. 

• Upgrade the Ponderosa from an open space to a destination park by 

developing and enhancing its character and strengths so that it is no 

longer considered the poor relation of Crookes Valley Park and Weston 


• Unify the park and develop a ‘sense of place’. 

• Improve circulation and accessibility 

• Encourage links with Crookes Valley Park and Weston Park 

• Enhance the historic nature of the park. 

• Develop its character, much less formal than both Weston Park and 

Crookes Valley Park. 

• Improve legibility and encourage links to the adjacent parks 

• Improve habitats 

• Involve Community Groups and local schools in the regeneration 

works. 




______________________________________________ 

6.4 Early actions prior to further design work: 

55 

• Feasibility of a pedestrian crossing over Crookes Valley Road to the 

Ponderosa to be discussed with Highways. 

• Discussion and agreement with Neighbourhoods regarding entrances 

to the Ponderosa between the tower blocks (see also map showing 

land ownership in Appendix 1). 

6.5 Masterplan Proposals: 







over time. 


should be taken into account as and when proceeding with further design 

work. 

1) Circular walk 

Creating a circular walk round the Ponderosa see map following would go a 

long way towards developing a sense that it is a park, rather than a space 

which is crossed on the way to somewhere else. 

See below: Trails, routes, signage and way-marking for fitness and other 

circuits which could utilise the new route. 

The whole circuit should be paved in tarmac with a minimum width of 3m. As 

many of the paths in the park are not accessible due to steep gradients 

incorporating steps, this route should be designed to be as accessible as 

possible 

The new paths required to complete the circular route would be most 

straightforward at the lower end of the park where gradients are relatively 

gentle. 

The existing loose surfaced section of path below the woodland should be 

upgraded and reconstructed to tarmac. (see also Wetland habitat). 

The section from Oxford Street downhill is much steeper but a relatively 

accessible gradient of 1:10 is achievable from Oxford Street below the first 

tower block by curving the path across the slope. Below this, where the 

gradient steepens further the circular route would incorporate steps and an 




______________________________________________ 

alternative non-stepped route, would zigzag down the slope by incorporating 

firstly the route of the existing desire line, which runs from the corner of Martin 

Street and Albion Street to the bottom of the ‘hundred steps’, and then turning 

to incorporate an improved section of path back towards the bottom of the 

new steps. This would also provide a vehicular route for maintenance and 

possible event use with a relatively gentle gradient, although at approximately 

1:10 it would not be fully accessible. 

From the bottom of the hundred steps, the circular route extends eastwards to 

the path from the Fawcett Street entrance. By allowing vehicular access on 

this section also, an alternative occasional cross-park route would be possible 

for events. 

To complete the circuit, there is a proposed new section between Fawcett 

Street and Hammond Street joining up with the path around the events space. 

The sections of path on steeper slopes will of course require cutting into the 

slopes. The surplus fill created by this, if of adequate quality, could be used in 

building up the upgraded path under the woodland. (see also Wetland 

habitat). 


2) Woodland management 

The consultation indicated interest in improved habitats in the park and the 

ecological report suggests the following to improve the habitat value of the 

woodland area: 

o Producing and implementing a combined management plan for the 

Ponderosa and Crookes Valley Park. 

Cost estimate: £1,000 (included in the Crookes Valley Park estimate) 

o Selective tree removal and pruning to open up the views into the top of 

the park mainly to either side of the entrances but also opening up additional 

views in. This should encourage greater use and make the entrances feel 

more secure and open. The creation of a woodland ‘ride’ along the top path 

below Crookes Valley Road. Through cutting back overhanging trees to allow 

more light in, and the area currently dominated by docks, planted or seeded 

with woodland edge species. Tree works could include rotational coppicing 

that would vary the structure of the woodland, crown lifting to further open up 

views, and improve the ground flora by thinning the woodland to create small 

glades. 


56 

o Create habitat piles in the woodland, away from the entrances 

o Replacement of bird boxes and introduction of bat boxes. 

This work could be carried out by volunteers. 




______________________________________________ 

3) Boundaries and entrances 

By redesigning the entrances to the Ponderosa to include new entrance 

features and by enclosing the open boundaries, mainly in the lower park, the 

Ponderosa will be transformed, making it feel like a welcoming park rather 

than just an open space. To ensure that views into and across the park are 

still retained, the boundary treatment should be quite low. 

The boundary along Mushroom Lane similarly, though as a lower priority, 

would benefit from the same boundary treatment, removing the need for 

boulders to stop unauthorised parking. It would also provide a visual link with 

the boundary in the lower area and tie in with the entrance on Crookes Valley 

Road. 

Both the boundary treatment and all the entrances should be designed 

together as a family despite the very different characters at the top and 

bottom of the park. It would be beneficial to include an Artist (perhaps an 

Artist/Blacksmith) in the design process to work with the community and 

designers, to ensure a unique and exciting design which should be relevant to 

Ponderosas Character. 

The design of the entrances and boundary treatment should take into account 

the requirement for low maintenance and repairs. If the chosen design does 

require maintenance, a budget for this would need to be built in. See Design 

Palette for suggested materials. 

o Crookes Valley Road entrances 

The most important entrance at the top of the park is the one, opposite the 

entrances to Crookes Valley Park and Weston Park and the other entrance 

further up is also very well used. 

The design should reflect the importance of these two entrances and selective 

tree removal and pruning on the wooded slopes below are crucial in opening 

up the views into the park and making it more welcoming and feel safer. 

The main entrance should include removal of the old railings, totem poles and 

paving, the opening up of views in and upgrading with new features. 

Colourful herbaceous and shrub planting would signal its importance and 

create a link with Crookes Valley Park and Weston Park, as mentioned in 

relation to Crookes Valley Park, the possibility of a pedestrian crossing is 

being investigated, which would make an easier link to the other two parks. 

Park signage is also required at this entrance 

o Entrance at the corner of St Phillips Road and Upperthorpe Road 

This is the major entrance at the lower end of the Ponderosa and the new 

design should reflect this. Colourful herbaceous and shrub planting would 

enhance this and the other main entrances. 

57 




______________________________________________ 

o Upperthorpe Road Entrance 

This is an important entrance at the end of the long straight promenade, in the 

lower area. The view up this path should remain uncluttered in the new 

design. A new vehicular access should also be included here, it should 

appear secondary to the pedestrian entrance, whilst allowing access to the 

events space and access to the bottom of the park for emergency vehicles. 

o Oxford Street Entrance 

Another major entrance, which, if upgraded would improve accessibility to the 

park. Delineation of disabled parking bays on Oxford Street adjacent to the 

entrance, and pedestrian drop crossings combined with the proposed circular 

walk would make much of the park accessible. This entrance should include 

access for emergency and maintenance vehicles and, as with the 

Upperthorpe entrance, the vehicular gate should be designed in with the 

pedestrian entrance and appear secondary to it. 

The existing grass parking bays in the park should be removed. 

o Minor entrances 

There are approximately 12 further minor entrances to the Ponderosa, 

including those between the tower blocks. It is important to continue the 

theme of the major entrances though in a simpler and reduced way, in order 

to reinforce the idea of the park, not just an open space. This will require 

consultation with Neighbourhoods, for the entrances between the tower 

blocks, if work is to be carried out on their land 


4) Trails, routes, signage and way-marking 

The routes around the park as well as to the adjacent parks and open spaces 

should be clearly way-marked. 

o Finger posts should be used to direct people to facilities within the park 

and to the other parks, whilst way marking posts should be used for the trails 

and routes around the park. 

o The possibility of activity trails around the Ponderosa was raised in the 

Consultation document. These routes would provide a new dimension to the 

park. All-age fitness equipment located around the circular route combined 

with marking out distances on the routes would encourage more active use of 

the park. ZEST running club and others have said that they would find this 

useful. (see ‘Improved play provision and outdoor gym equipment’ for the cost 

of equipment). 

The consultation indicated that a high percentage of people use this park for 

both dog walking and exercise supporting this proposal. 

o Nature and history trails with interpretation would add another layer of 

interest and could be linked with interpretation to the trails in Crookes Valley 


58 




______________________________________________ 

o Cycling routes through the park can be encouraged without formalising 

routes (see masterplan). One route crossing the park from Oxford Street to 

Fawcett Street along the circular route. A second route down much of the 

length of the park would again start at Oxford Street and run to the bottom of 

the 100 steps then it would follow the vehicular route to the long straight path 

below the tower blocks. 


5) Football pitches 

The consultation process evidenced interest from a wide range of 

stakeholders, including ZEST, to improve the sports facilities on the 

Ponderosa. 

The football pitch should be reconstructed incorporating drainage to make it 

more useable this should include improving the run down informal terraces in 

the western corner. (See also Wetland habitat below) 

This area could also be used for American Football as there is a lot of interest 

locally. 

A detailed specification was drawn up and costed in 2007 for the football pitch 

improvements, but was never implemented. (See Appendix 2) 

Consultation also raised interest in locating a multi-games pitch in this area as 

well as keeping the football pitch. The area available is not big enough for 

both. There is, however, the possibility of expanding the 5-aside pitch further 

down the slope, to provide a 45m x 27m mini soccer pitch. Interest in this was 

raised by youngsters using the area recently and also ZEST who run a 

number of sports events and activities in the Ponderosa. This work could be 

carried out when the existing surface is ready for renewal. As this area 

slopes, regrading would be necessary to provide a playable gradient and a 

40lm length of retaining wall approximately 1m high would be necessary on 

the upper side. This pitch would also need drainage and the water from this 

should be disposed of on site. As the site would be below the proposed 

wetland (see below), a separate swale or other sustainable drainage scheme 

should be designed in. 


6) Wetland habitat 

The original stream running through the Ponderosa, is now fed into a 

combined sewer which runs under the park and eventually discharges in to 

the River Don. This makes unfeasible the earlier idea of opening this up the 

stream at the surface. This was based on initial investigation which indicated 

that the culvert contained the just the stream. 

The provision of a wetland area, however, would be both possible and 

sustainable. The unpaved path between the football pitch and the woodland is 

regularly wet and eroded by run off water flowing down hill. When this path is 

paved as part of the circular route, the level on the path should be raised to 

allow the construction of a swale to one side to pick up the run off. Ground 

water from the football pitch drainage system should also be fed to this area, 

59 




______________________________________________ 

which could be designed to act as a sustainable urban drainage system, 

ending with a wetland area near the bottom of the ‘hundred steps’ which 

would be wet or dry depending on the weather and season. This would not 

only prevent the path from being eroded by the run off and provide a 

destination for water collected land drainage proposed for the football pitch. It 

would also have the added benefit of providing a different habitat area. 


7) Improved play provision and outdoor gym equipment 

The need for better play provision was raised in the consultation document. 

The lower play area would be much improved with an additional large piece of 

play equipment. Similarly in the play area for older children, a single big and 

challenging piece of equipment would be a great draw. 

Good signage would also help to link them (see ‘Trails, routes, signage and 

way-marking’). 


Outdoor gym equipment around the circular route as mentioned under ‘Trails, 

routes, signage and way-marking’. 


8) Upgrading other paths and steps to improve accessibility and 

develop a hierarchy of paths 

Consultation highlighted demand for the upgrading of the following paths and 

steps: 

60 

o The 100 steps would be improved with a more robust construction. 

This issue was raised in the consultation document. 

o The various flights of steps at the top of the park that are in poor repair. 

Accessibility would be improved by reconstruction and incorporation of 

handrails, whilst retaining their distinctive historic feel and the unusual 

stone walling to the sides. 

o The worn out tarmac paths at the top of the park would benefit from 

resurfacing. 

Developing a hierarchy of paths would make the park more ‘legible’. It should 

be clear to the visitor whether a path is a main route, or a minor one. This 

should be indicated by both the surfacing and the width of the paths. Ideally 

the most important routes should be between 3m and 4m wide, less important 

but still busy paths should be between 2.5 and 3m wide and occasional and 

informal paths 1.8-2m wide. All except the more informal paths through 

woodland should be surfaced with tarmac. This would improve accessibility 

as well as having the added benefit of reducing maintenance. 

Consequently, as part of the circular walk, the narrow section of the straight 

path which runs up the park below the tower blocks should be widened with a 




______________________________________________ 

better designed transition with the wider section and the odd remnants of 

paths removed. Similarly, the loose surfaced paths at the bottom of the park 

should be constructed in tarmac and their alignment adjusted to fit more 

comfortably in the landscape. 

Some paths could be narrowed down where they are much wider than 

warranted, the two main paths crossing the park, which were once sections of 

roads, (Fawcett Street and Hammond Street) could be narrowed from the 

current 5m down to half of that. This is however seen as a lower priority. If 

carried out the design should ensure that vehicular access is maintained for 

events. 

An added benefit of this would be that the opportunity could be taken to 

remove the road kerbs and replace them with flush edgings and drain the 

paths to the lower side with a linear soak-away area adjacent to the paths or 

the proposed wetland. This would be a more sustainable approach to 

draining the paths, and with a much smaller surface area there would be less 

water to drain away. In the short term, regular unblocking and/ or repairing 

the road gulleys would solve the problem. 

Full accessibility throughout the park is not feasible due to the steep gradients 

at the top of the park. Some accessible routes though, are possible and these 

should be signed. 


9) Planting and maintenance 

Planting: 

The main entrances would be enhanced with colourful planting, possibly 

including herbaceous and low shrub planting. 

Planting at the bases of the buttresses of the tower blocks with self clinging 

climbing plants would soften these structures and integrate the tower blocks 

more successfully into the park. The soil in these areas should be improved 

as previous planting schemes here have had limited success and this is 

probably due in part to poor quality ground with building rubble near the 

surface. 

Trees 

The lower end of the Ponderosa would benefit from additional tree planting 

(as indicated on the following masterplan). These would enhance the sense 

of enclosure and frame the events space, but trees should be grouped 

carefully to avoid blocking views across the park. 

Groups of trees adjacent to the proposed new path below Oxford Street would 

assist in integrating the path and a further group to the side of the play area 

would help to integrate it into the landscape whilst maintaining clear views in 

and out. 

The double row of trees to the lower side the path crossing the park from the 

Fawcett Street entrance could be mirrored on the other side of the path with a 

61 




______________________________________________ 

single row to create an avenue whilst avoiding disturbance of the 5 aside 

pitch. Similarly the path from the Hammond Street entrance, where there is 

an avenue, but which stops short of the entrance, would look more complete if 

the trees went right up to the entrance. 

New trees should be extra heavy standards to be more resilient to vandalism. 

Maintenance: 

Removal/ treatment of Japanese knotweed should be carried out to prevent 

the problem spreading. 

Wild flowers have been planted in the long grass around the football pitch. 

This area receives an annual cut to ensure that they survive and thrive. This 

should be continued. 

The orchard area would be much improved with better management and 

maintenance. A local group, possibly linked to the Community Forestry 

programme could take on this area. 

Cost estimate (planting only): £13,000 

10) Events Space 

The bottom of the park is becoming popular as an events venue and is home 

to the annual Peace in the Park Festival and was the site of the recent Film 

Festival. If the park continues to grow in popularity as an event space it would 

be pertinent to consider implementing the following: 

o Levelling the grass areas which have sunk due to the presence of 

cellars bellow, and draining the area (this will also maximise recreational and 

sports use of the flat grass area). 

o Improving the vehicular access with a one way vehicular route which 

would enter from the Hammond Street entrance, across the park and turning 

right on to the main straight path to exit on Upperthorpe Road. This route 

would require path widening to allow large vehicles to turn adjacent to the 

playground, and the realignment of the playground fence to facilitate this. 

(See also vehicular route as part of the circular route re vehicular access to 

the top of the park). 

o A major improvement for events would be providing utilities for use 

during events, particularly a sewage connection, possibly into the existing 

combined sewer. Water and telephone connections would also be helpful and 

the provision of power points could also be considered. (The suggested 

locations for these are indicated on the masterplan). 

o The proposed boundary treatment, improved paths around the space 

and careful tree planting (see above) would give this space a much needed 

face face-lift (not included in this cost). 

62 




______________________________________________ 

See also Appendix 5 (Minutes of the meeting regarding improvements for 

events) 


11) Seats and bins 

The need for additional seats was raised in the consultation document. New 

seats and bins as well as replacing the old ones would encourage more 

people to stay longer and be less likely to just use the park as a short cut. 

The seats should be located generally in sunny spots, and should be 

positioned mainly around the circular walk, to provide resting places. 

A couple of meeting places could be created by grouping some of the seats 

close together just off the paths either at path junctions or adjacent to features 

such as the play areas. 

Careful choice of the style of both would help to give the park a facelift and 

also, by using a single design, help to unify the park. See the design palette. 


12) Enhancing the Historic Character 

Repairing the stone gateway and locating the historical interpretation in this 

vicinity, as it is also close to the site of one of the reservoirs, would add 

interest. 


63 




______________________________________________ 


As the Ponderosa is less formal in appearance than Crookes Valley Park and 

should be contemporary in character. This should be reflected in the design, 

the choice of seats and bins as with the design of the entrances and 

boundaries. The elements should also be very robust to withstand heavy 

wear. The street furniture should be linked to the design of the entrances and 

boundaries with the choice of colour and / or finish. No more than 2 colours 

should be used. 

• Entrances and boundaries 

The design, materials and finish will be determined as the design is 

developed, however the materials should be robust and with a low 

maintenance requirement. Galvanised mild steel with a tee-wash finish would 

be one alternative, as it is maintenance free and would be in keeping with the 

contemporary feel. 

64 

13) 

14) 

15) 

16) 

17) 

18) 

19) 

20) 

Galvanised and tee-washed 

finish to entrances at Mount 

Pleasant Park Sheffield 

made by Chris Brammall 

Boundary rails made by Chris 

Campbell TDE Design Ltd. 

The images indicate styles which would be appropriate for the new entrances 

and boundaries at Ponderosa. 




______________________________________________ 

• Seats 

The choice of seats should allow for some variety of detail whilst being in the 

same family of designs. 

For robustness, metal has been chosen 

Seats with arm rests would be best located in the lower areas of the park, with 

benches along the main paths in the upper areas. Along informal paths in the 

woodland, robust rustic timber benches would be more appropriate. 

65 

Broxap Weyburn Seat with arm rests and 

bench 

Green oak bench from Caledonia Play 

suitable for informal paths in woodland 




______________________________________________ 

• Bins 

Bins should complement the design of the benches, be simple in design and 

robust in construction. 

66 

Broxap bin 


As referred to in the section about Crookes Valley Park, a family of signage 

should follow through all three parks. Any metalwork elements should be 

painted black for continuity 














______________________________________________ 

67 

Timber posts appropriate for waymarking 

the trails 

• Paving 

Paving should generally be tarmac with simple concrete edgings except for at 

the entrances where locally, alternative paving such as high quality concrete 

paving units could be combined with the tarmac, such as Marshalls 

Conservation setts and kerbs. 

The path through the woodland should be crushed bark. 




______________________________________________ 


Commission and implement the woodland management plan and open up 

some of the views 

Signage to Crookes Valley Park and Weston Park 

Some new seats and bins 

Treatment of Japanese knotweed 

Resurfacing some paths. 

Open up some of the views from Crookes Valley Road 

Signage to Crookes Valley Park and Weston Park, and within the Park 

68 




______________________________________________ 

6.8 Ponderosa budget estimates 

See notes below re. qualifications and exclusions 

Cont. 

69 

Description 

Breakdown 

£ 


Amount £ 

including 

contingency 

Circular route 295,000.00 

approx 555lm new path 3m wide level ground @ 

£200/lm 122000 

approx 555lm new path across steep gradient @ 

£250/lm 153000 

upgraded section of path 85lm @£80/lm 10000 

additional for steps and handrails 10000 

Woodland management plan included in 

Crookes VP 

Tree removal 15,000.00 

Boundaries and entrances 578,000.00 

boundary trt 650lm@ £300/lm 215000 

combined ped. and vehicular entrances 4no 

@35k 154000 

main ped. entrances 8no@ 20k 176000 

minor ped. entrances 6no @ 5k 33000 

Trails routes signs and way marking 5no 

finger posts @2k 20no bollard posts@ £200 2 

no lecterns @ £500 includes historic character 17,000.00 

5no finger posts @2k 11000 

20no bollard posts @£200 5000 

2no lecterns @ £500 1000 

Football pitches 115,000.00 

main pitch 55000 

mini soccer including regrading, drainage and 

retention 60000 

Wetland habitat 11,000.00 

Play provision and outdoor gym equipment 91,000.00 

play equipment 71000 

fitness equipment 8no @ £10k 20000



______________________________________________ 

70 

Upgrading other paths and steps 83,000.00 

the 100 steps 22000 

other steps 28000 

paths at top of park 33000 

Planting 13,000.00 

mixed planting 7000 

trees 6000 

Events space 126,000.00 

regrading, compacting, drainage and reseeding 67000 

work to vehicular route 15000 

electrical points 25000 

sewage connection 6000 

water and telecom 13000 

Seats and Bins includes 18no seats, 6no bins 

bit of paving 31,000.00 

Historic character 5,000.00 

TOTAL 1,380,000.00 




contractors 

• Contingencies of 10% are included in the breakdown 

Exclusions: 

• vat 



• Inflation 


Short grass 

Wild flowers in long grass 


Proposed new trees 


New paths 

Circular walk 

Upgraded path 

Stepped route 






New outdoor gym equipment 

Meeting place 

Cycle route 

N 

3 

OXFORD STREET 

9 

3 


3 

12 

9 

12 

8 

5 

Play area 

Terraces 

3 

1 

Football pitch 

6 

2 

9 

Gate posts 

13 

10 

7 

3 

7 

MUSHROOM LANE 

12 

Mini soccer pitch 

6 

Wetland 

Hundred steps 

9 

5 

12 

MARTIN STREET 

Play area 

8 

UPPERTHORPE ROAD 

1 

FAWCETT STREET 

Events area 

11 

9 

HAMMOND STREET 

ST PHILIPS ROAD 

1 Circular walk 

2 Woodland management 

3 Open up views in 

4 Improve boundaries and entrances 

5 New trails routes, signage and way-marking 

6 Improve the football pitches 

7 Introduce wetland habitat 


9 Upgrade and develop a hierarchy of paths 

10 New planting 

11 Improve the events space 

12 Seats and meeting places 

13 Enhance the historic character 

Ponderosa Masterplan 

12 

10



_____________________________________________ 

7.0 Philadelphia Gardens 

7.1 Potential 

71 

This park has a lovely woodland character, with 

masses of potential to improve the habitat value. 

There are some good pedestrian routes and 

potential to introduce additional routes to link these 

up. 




______________________________________________ 

72 

There are great views over Parkwood Springs 

There are some good facilities which could be 

improved and added to. 

- embankment slide 

- basketball court 




______________________________________________ 

7.2 Problems 

73 

The park lacks a sense of place. The entrances and 

the boundaries are bland and featureless with no 

clear identity. 

The entrances are not very welcoming, most being 

dominated with barriers. In some areas there isn’t 

an entrance where one would be useful 




______________________________________________ 

74 

Many of the routes are unclear with overgrown 

vegetation and poor sightlines. 

This makes the park feel unsafe and discourages 

use. 

There is a general feel of unkemptness and litter is 

often a problem. 

Scrubby growth has taken over in some areas which 

increases the run down appearance. Not only does 

this sort of vegetation look unsightly, but also it has 

limited wildlife value, as has been raised in the 

ecological report 




______________________________________________ 

75 

The steep slopes limit potential to create new 

facilities 

‘Desire lines’ indicate where paths are needed. 

These are mainly on the steep slopes. 

The play area is unappealing and shabby and is 

dominated by the metal fence. 

It lacks exciting and challenging equipment and has 

little character. 

The dead tree here adds to the run down feel. 




______________________________________________ 

76 

Many of the facilities are run down and poorly 

located. 

The sculptural ‘sofa’ is located in a grass area with 

no path for access and it gets lost in the long grass. 

The youth shelter is poorly located at the top of the 

embankment slide, which is an unappealing place for 

young people to meet and is rarely used. 

The skate facilities are un-used. Furthermore, the 

rim of the skate bowl is not set correctly for skaters. 

It is poorly located in the woodland as leaves are a 

persistent problem. 

The current surface to the multigames area is prone 

to vandalism. 

The combination of poor visibility through the park, a 

poor network of paths and the steep wooded slopes 

combine with the lack of signage and lead to a lack 

of legibility. 




______________________________________________ 

7.3 Design Principles 


77 

• Encourage more people to use the park in more diverse ways 

• Develop existing facilities and introduce new ones with an emphasis on 

natural play and physical activity 

• Develop more of a ‘sense of place’. 

• Improve circulation and accessibility 

• Encourage links with the Ruskin Park. 

• Develop more fully the woodland character. 

• Improve habitats 

• Involve Community Groups and local schools in the regeneration 

works. 




______________________________________________ 

7.4 Masterplan Proposals: 







over time. 


should be investigated and taken into account as and when proceeding with 

future design work. 

1) Habitat improvements and management 

The consultation indicated interest in improving habitats in the park and the 

ecological report suggests the implementation of a habitat management plan 

to: 

78 

o Improve the woodland ground flora by thinning the woodland to create 

small glades and wildflower planting. 

o Install bird and bat boxes. 

o Keep open sight lines along paths by removing saplings growing along 

path edges and mowing the edges regularly to make the open space 

feel safer. 

o Open up views out of the site with selective pruning and tree removal. 

o Retain but control the nettle patches in the grassland so that they don’t 

spread any further. 

o Annual mowing of long grass areas and removal of arisings to improve 

grassland habitat. 

o Wild flower planting in the grassland areas 

o Scrub removal to prevent the whole area becoming woodland. 

More detailed information can be founding the ecological report which is 

available in Parks and Countryside. 





______________________________________________ 

2) Improved play provision 

This park is a perfect setting for natural play which would enhance the existing 

play ground. Natural play should be integrated into woodland and grass areas 

using natural materials where possible. 

The site of the existing youth shelter would provide an ideal spot for a play log 

set in bark surfacing. The existing play area would be improved with some 

additional play equipment such as a roundabout or a cone climber. 

As the skate bowl is not usable in its current condition, this site could be used 

for a nest swing. 

Some ideas for play improvements: 

79 

• Play log 

• Nest swing supplied by 

Sutcliffe Play 

• Cone climber supplied by 

Playdale 

• Art work by Coralie Turpin 




______________________________________________ 

The remaining skate facilities could be retained and enhanced with carefully 

located stone and granite ledges in this area. 

A play trail would encourage children to explore the whole park and try 

everything. A fitness challenge could be included to encourage children to 

run between the various locations with distances marked. 

Setting great equipment and features in the woodland would encourage more 

people to actively go into the heart of the space rather than passing through it 

or just using the play area. 

A few larger pieces could be complemented with smaller low key play 

elements. 

The level area freed up with a simplified entrance layout (see below: 

boundaries and entrances), would provide space for some more low key 

natural play, though here, siting should be considered in relation to the 

proximity of the adjacent houses. 


3) Improved Sport Provision 

Whilst the fencing and goal posts in the basket ball court are in fairly good 

condition, the sports surfacing is in need of renewal or replacement with a 

more durable surface such as porous tarmac. This may already exist under 

the existing mats so this should be checked out and either the mats could be 

removed exposing the tarmac or a new porous tarmac surface applied. 

Basketball facilities are generally very popular, and the reason this one is not 

well used could be due to the overgrown nature of the site, which creates a 

feeling of enclosure and people not feeling completely safe, as does the 

single entry point. Consequently, improved management of the site is the 

highest priority here as is opening up an additional entrance to link in with the 

proposed new path. 


4) Improved Circulation and Accessibility 

The footpath network would be greatly improved with some additional 

entrances and routes across the slopes. Most of the existing paths tend to 

follow the contours, which is good for accessibility but not so good for 

circulation. The new routes would follow the desire lines which indicate where 

people want to go and would make it possible to walk around the park rather 

than just cross it. As these routes are all on steep gradients they would 

consist mainly of flights of steps with handrails and adequate landings to 

make them as accessible as possible. 

The main path from Philadelphia Gardens at the bottom of the slope and at 

the south eastern corner of the park would be linked with a series of paths 

and steps up to Daniel Hill via the entrances on Carnarvon Street and 

Yeomans Road. 

A second route starting further along the bottom path would provide an 

alternative access to the Basketball court and to the path above it. 

80 




______________________________________________ 

A new entrance and path from Fox Road down to the top of the embankment 

slide would create a useful new access into the park and by passing close to 

the concrete ‘sofa’ would provide a path to it. 

A further new entrance at the northern end of the park on Whitehouse Lane 

could join up with the main path. 

These new paths are all indicated in the Masterplan map following this 

section. 

The existing path from Fox Road to Philadelphia Gardens and the one joining 

it from Portland Court, are the main routes through the park. They are both 

accessible and currently cycle friendly. The proposed entrances should retain 

this facility. 


5) Boundaries and entrances 

Redesigning the entrances to Philadelphia Gardens to include new entrance 

features and enclosing some of the open boundaries, this open space would 

give a distinct, attractive identity to the park and encourage people in. The 

design should be developed in consultation with the local community and 

possibly with an Artist/ Blacksmith or stone Artist. 

The entrances from Fox Road, and from Philadelphia Gardens are the main 

entrances and this should be reinforced in the design. 

The current layout from Philadelphia Gardens has three paths leading into the 

site at the main entrance. The boundary treatment will naturally channel 

movement to the entrance, which will allow the layout to be simplified, freeing 

up level space for seating and possibly more natural play. 

(See Design Palette for ideas for the boundary treatment.) 


6) Trails, signage and way-marking 

The routes through the park should be clearly way-marked. 

A nature trail would be a great way to highlight interesting trees, plants and 

habitats. It could be signed with numbered bollards linking back to a centrally 

located map which also shows the play trail. (See also above: Improved play 

provision) 

A notice board for the park is planned and being designed. Its design and 

location should decided in keeping with the overall masterplan design palette. 

Signage to Ruskin Park could be located at the new entrance on Fox Street 

and to Ponderosa from the Daniel Hill Street entrance. 


7) Seats and bins 

Introducing more seating would encourage people to stay longer and be less 

likely to just use the park as a short cut. 

81 




______________________________________________ 

A couple of meeting places could be created by grouping some of the seats 

close together just off the paths either at path junctions or adjacent to features 

such as the main play area. A circle of carved sitting blocks adjacent to the 

horse chestnut and around the mosaics would create a further meeting place 

as well as a play feature. 

Careful choice of the style of both the seats and bins would help to give the 

park a facelift. (See the design palette). 


82 




______________________________________________ 


As the Philadelphia Gardens has a very different character to both Ponderosa 

and Crookes Valley Park. The design palette should enhance the rather wild 

character of the park whist being both robust and contemporary in feel. 

The street furniture should be linked to the design of the entrances with the 

choice of colour and/ or finish. 

• Entrances 

The design, materials and finish will be determined as the design is 

developed, however a couple of preliminary sketch ideas are shown below. It 

would be appropriate to introduce some colour into the boundary treatment of 

this park to contrast with the woodland backdrop. Harmonising colours could 

be combined with the neutrals of galvanised and tee washed steel and 

perhaps oak bollards and/or stone walling. An Artist/ Blacksmith could work 

with local schools to develop the ideas here. 

Examples of robust stone and metalwork. 

This sketch shows ‘trees and grass’ in metalwork and green oak bollards. 

This alternative includes robust stone walling and a more figurative metalwork 

design 

83 




______________________________________________ 

• Seats and bins 

Its woodland character should again be enhanced by the choice of seats and 

bins. 

The bins should be simple in design, robust in construction and 

metal for durability. 

Timber is appropriate for the seats in this location. By choosing green oak 

and very large sections of timber, this would be both durable and vandal 

resistant as well as a sustainable choice. 

84 

Green oak bench from Caledonia Play 

Sitting blocks of sculpted green oak by 

Chris Nangle Furniture. 

Grouped, they would create a low key 

meeting place or singly they could be 

located adjacent to play equipment in the 

woodland where a bench would be too big. 

The block shown has a charred finish 


As referred to in the section about Crookes Valley Park, a family of signage 

should follow through all three parks. Any metalwork elements should be 

painted black for continuity 









______________________________________________ 

85 






Timber posts appropriate for way-marking 

the trails 

• Paving and Steps 

Paving should generally all be tarmac with simple concrete edgings for ease 

of maintenance. Steps should be pre-cast concrete and handrails galvanised 

steel. Again these are chosen for ease of maintenance. 

At the entrances, however, the tarmac could be locally enhanced with insets 

of decorative paving which could be developed with an artist and community 

involvement, and could reflect the woodland character. 




______________________________________________ 


86 

• Commission and implement management plan 

• Notice board 

• Signage 

• Install crushed brick paths to existing seats and picnic tables. 

• Start to develop play trail: remove youth shelter and install a play log in 

bark surfacing. 

• Some new seats and bins 

• Seating circle 




______________________________________________ 

7.7 Philadelphia Gardens budget estimate 

See notes below re. qualifications and exclusions 

87 

Description 

Breakdown 

£ 


Amount £ 

including 

contingency 

Habitat improvement plan 1,000.00 

Play 82,000.00 

Standard play equipment and surfacing 66,000.00 

natural play elements 11,000.00 

skate facility 5,000.00 

Sport 25,000.00 

resurface basketball court 19,000.00 

new entrance 6,000.00 

Circulation and accessibility 107,000.00 

path and steps to Danile Hill 156lm 39,000.00 

path and steps to basketball court 65lm 22,000.00 

path and steps to slide 65lm 22,000.00 

path and steps from Whitehouse Lane 75lm 24,000.00 

Boundaries and entrances 187,000.00 

main entrances 2no. @20k eack 22,000.00 

minor entrances 10no. @7k each 77,000.00 

boundaries (stone walling) 200lm @£400/lm 88,000.00 

Trails, signage and waymarking 11,000.00 

3no Finger posts @2k 7,000.00 

15no Bollard posts @£200 3,000.00 

1no lecterns @ £500 1,000.00 

Seats and bins 17,000.00 

Including 12no seats and 3no bins with 

associated paving 

TOTAL 430,000.00 




contractors 

• Contingencies of 10% are included in the breakdown



______________________________________________ 

Exclusions: 

• vat 



• Inflation 

88 


WHITEHOUSE LANE 

4 

5 

FOX ROAD 

1 Improve habitat 


3 Improve sport 

Skate bowl removed and replaced 

with basket swing. 

New skate ledges installed 

4 Upgrade boundaries and entrances 

5 New trails, signs and way-marking 

6 New seats and bins 

Youth shelter removed 

and replaced with play log 

1 

1 

4 

6 

4 

6 

2 

2 

Slide 

6 

2 

PORTLAND COURT 

3 

1 

Basketball court 

DANIEL HILL 

4 

3 

4 

6 

4 

YEOMANS ROAD 

CLEVELAND ST 

CARNARVON ST 

Short grass 

Wild flowers in long grass 



New paths 

Stepped route 






Play route 

Meeting place 

Cycle route 

PENISTONE ROAD 

PHILADELPHIA GARDENS 

N 

Philadelphia Gardens Masterplan 

2 

4 

5 

4 

2 

New play equipment in 

play area 

5 

6 

4



______________________________________________ 

8.0 Smaller Green Spaces 

The Masterplan brief highlighted several smaller green spaces in the vicinity 

of the three main parks considered in this document, namely Lower Walkley 

Green Space, Upperthorpe Peace Gardens, Oxford Road Open Space and 

Sydney Road Open Space. These are shown on the location plan in the 

introduction. (1.1) 

The possibility of developing green routes between the main parks which 

would link up with the smaller green spaces was explored, however, it quickly 

became clear that the potential to develop anything meaningful was small. 

Lower Walkley Green Space, in particular, as can be seen from the map, is 

located quite a distance from any of the main parks. (It is actually closer to 

Ruskin Park). 

Similarly Sydney Road open space, although relatively close to Ponderosa 

and Crookes Valley Park, is not actually on a route to either. 

The three main parks, in particular Philadelphia Gardens and Ponderosa are 

used as through routes, although, not particularly by people travelling from 

one of the parks to one or more of the others. The through routes are mostly 

short cuts and/ or scenic routes to work, school, university and/or shops, the 

parks being seen as separate destinations. Consequently, developing a 

green route between the parks would have questionable value. 

Furthermore, the smaller sites don’t generally lie on direct routes between the 

parks. Although Upperthorpe Peace Gardens (off Daniel Hill) does appear at 

first glance to lie between Philadelphia Gardens and Ponderosa, a detour 

would be necessary to Daniel Hill for anyone who had walked or cycled 

through Philadelphia Gardens. 

The very nature of the smaller green spaces, also, means that they are mainly 

of value and interest to residents who live in close proximity to them. 

The consultation event carried out by ‘Art in the Park’highlighted some 

possible actions an/or improvements for the individual spaces. (See 

Appendix 3 Mini Green Space Celebrations). 

89 




______________________________________________ 

Appendix 1 

Land ownership 




______________________________________________ 

Appendix 2 

Additional Project Information 

• Crimean War memorial 

• Ponderosa Football specification 

• Boathouse feasibility for Crookes 

Valley Park 




______________________________________________ 

Crimean War memorial 




______________________________________________ 

Ponderosa Football specification 




______________________________________________ 

Boathouse feasibility for Crookes Valley Park 




______________________________________________ 

Appendix 3 

‘Art in the Park’ reports 

• Consultation Report 

• ‘Mini Green Spaces Celebrations’ report 




______________________________________________ 

Appendix 4 

Stakeholder Consultation Summary 




______________________________________________ 

Appendix 5 

Minutes of the meeting regarding 

improvements for events on the Ponderosa 




______________________________________________ 

Appendix 6 


Fishing in the lake - minutes from meetings 


1 

13 

10 

23 

2 

5 

349 

1 

224 

92 

130.8m 

Legend 

IVY DRIVE 

220 

67 

4 

1 to 11 

63 

339 

Gymnasium 

200 

HARCOURT ROAD 

Tennis Courts 

All Other Committee 

188 

IVY GROVE Medical Centre 

82 

33 

24 

327 

323 

72 

184 

10 to 14 

129.4m 

45 

The Goodwin Sports Centre 

(The University of Sheffield) 

137.2m 

CROOKESMOOR ROAD 

313 

62 

Old Dam House 

PO 

211 

127.9m 

55 27 

D Fn 

TRANSACTION_TYPE, COMMITTEE 

¬ 

Water 

Estates 

Highways 

Housing 


Education 

Health 

Planning & Transportation 

Disposals 

Leases 

0 10 20 

Meters 

Shelter 

182 

180 

35 

Shelter 

LB 

Football Pitch 

170 

52 

12 

Methodist Church 

10 

8 

The Cottage 


8b 

197 

6 

17 

6b 

Shelter 

2 

267 

FS 

School 

131.8m 


Park 

CROOKESMOOR 

358 

Sluice 

Ward Bdy 

Playground 


360 

574 

TCBs 

Boating Lake 

ESS 

558 

Boating Lake 


El Sub Sta 

TCBs 

Bowling Green 

1823 


Museum 

The Ponderosa (Park (public)) 

126.9m 

D Fn 

MUSHROOM LANE 

Shelter 

Bowling Green 

PCs 

124.4m 

Rain Gauge 

Shaft 


Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission o f the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office (C) C rown Copyright 2009 Unauth orised reprod uction infringes Crow n Copyright and may lead to prosecutio n or Civil Proceedings. OS License No . 100018816. 2010 

Obelisk 

MUSHROOM LANE 

Bandstand 

122.4m 

Weston

Plot Scale 

1 : 2500 

Survey Scale 

1 : 1250

18 

Walk 

FB 

18to26 

BURGOYNE ROAD 

50 

1 

80.2m 

2 to 16 

FB 

88 

HILL 

89.0m 

90.8m 

93.6m 

84.1m 

70.4m 

Playground 

UPPERTHORPE CLOSE 

8 

19 

8to16 

WHITEHOUSE LANE 

15 to 27 

28 

17 

FOX ROAD 

26 

Legend 

2 

22 

26 

SHERDE ROAD 

71 

7 

29 to 43 

45 to 

75 

BRANDRETH ROAD 

129 

BLAKE 

3 

14 

5 

15 

LB 

81 

El Sub Sta 

Daniel Hill Walk 

20 

4 

77 

121 

119 

72 70 

83 

87 

113 

62 

60 

FOX ROAD 

DANIEL HILL TERRACE 

91 

SM 

TRANSACTION_TYPE, COMMITTEE 

¬ 

Water 

Estates 

Highways 

Housing 


1 

All Other Committee 

Education 

Health 

1 

16 

Planning & Transportation 

Disposals 

Leases 

20 

18 

0 12.5 25 

Meters 

71 

2 

PO 

56 

50 

105 

99 

40 

13 

1 

101 

2 

15 

52 

73 

24 

10 

63 

2 

UPPERTHORPE 

46 

PORTLAND COURT 

12 

78.6m 

87.5m 

1 

El Sub Sta 

TCB 

Playground 

WOOLLEN LANE 

54 

52 

3 

58 

44 

DANIEL HILL 

Nursing Home 

21 

34 

Car Park 

11 

11 

10 

12 

12 

Laundry 

23 

YEOMANS ROAD 

Public Baths 

1 

19 

26 

22 

Chy 

Surgery 

Club 

4 

24 

19 

9 

PC 

2 

76.5m 

Club 

15 

SA Citadel 

CLEVELAND STREET 

5 

18 

11 

23 

WESTMORELAND STREET 

20 

26 

18 

6 

Library 

10 

19 

2 

FLORA STREET 

MIDVALE AVENUE 

MIDVALE CLOSE 

11 

29 

12 

3 

252 

16 

9 

20 

73.3m 

161 

PH 

Tramway 

CARNARVON STREET 

31 

37 

240 

2 

PORTLAND 

68 

10 

12 

1 

64 

32 

7 

38 

BARRACK LANE 

238 

40 

STRAW LANE 

6 

38 

151 

Works 

to 

12 

WB 

PENISTONE ROAD 

Builder's Yard 

INFIRMARY ROAD 

1 

PO 

49 

LB 

50 

2 

72.5m 

141 

6 

Works 

PH 

River Don 

BALACLAVA ROAD 

8 

Works 

216 

24 

Works 

22 

2 

26 

20 

131 

219 

212 

PHILADELPHIA GARDENS 

Medical 

Centre 

TCBs 

210 

41 

206 

El Sub Sta 

1 

Playground 

17 

Works 

WEST DON STREET 

PHILADELPHIA GROVE 

62 

PH 

27 

Works 

117 

66 

39 

192a 

15 

21 

23 

11 

1 

2 

to 

71.0m 

Apollo Works 

LOCK STREET 

PHILADELPHIA DRIVE 

2 

9 

6 

Vicarage 

6 

188 

1 

113 

El Sub Sta 

Foundry 

Kelvin Buildings 

182 

56 

1 

10 

Foundry 

9 

50 

Works 

11 

CROSS GILPIN STREET 

166 

15 

Works 

Portland Buildings 

9 

Tramway 

11 

9 

El Sub Sta 

18 

El Sub Sta 

LB 

152 

61.0m 

Works 

17 to 27 

Works 

Works 

ALBERT TERRACE ROAD 

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission o f the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office (C) C rown Copyright 2009 Unauth orised reprod uction infringes Crow n Copyright and may lead to prosecutio n or Civil Proceedings. OS License No . 100018816. 2010 

GILPIN STREET 

52.7m 

110 

112 

PORTLAND STREET 

104 

WB 

Works 

138 

INFIRMARY ROAD 

TCB 

Weir 

GILPIN LANE 

Works

REPORT TO P+C MANAGEMENT TEAM 

November 2008 

CRIMEA WAR MEMORIAL REINSTATEMENT 

1. Purpose of Report 

1.1 The purpose of this report is to advise Management Team of the current position and 

history of the project 

1.2 Further to the above the report aims to outline current constraints and obligations in 

relation to the listed consent attached to the monument. 

1.3 It also aims to highlight the potential financial implications of the reinstatement 

proposals. 

2. Background 

2.1 SCC has responsibility for the Grade II listed Crimea Memorial (CWM) which is 

currently in storage at Staniforth Road depot. This monument originally stood at 

Moorhead and was moved to the Botanical gardens in the late 1950’s to enable the 

road layout to be changed. 

2.2 The consultants who advised on the restoration of the Botanical Gardens felt the 

statue was inappropriate and its removal would allow an original fountain to be reinstated 

in the gardens. Therefore as part of the restoration of the Botanical 

Gardens, planning permission was obtained to move her to another site. She was 

dismantled and moved in to storage with the intention she would be re-erected in the 

city centre as part of the new redevelopment. Discussions were held during 2002 

between Parks and Countryside and the City Centre Team to achieve that end. 

2.3 A planning application, with a accompanying letter support from the Executive 

Director of DEL was made to move the monument in October 2003. The letter 

stated that the Executive Director supported the re-location of the monument to the 

city centre and that he was confident funding could be found for the work. 

2.4 The listed consent received in April 2004 to remove the monument from the Botanical 

Gardens included the stipulation that: 

“The restoration works shall be carried out within a period of 2 years of the Memorial 

having been dismantled (or alternative period to be agreed in writing with the Local 

Planning Authority)” and “The precise location of the restored Memorial within 

Barkers Pool, or within some other appropriate civic/public space in close proximity 

thereto, shall have been secured within two years of the date of this consent (or 

1

alternative period to be agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority) and in 

consultation with the Local Planning Authority and English Heritage. 

2.5 The statue was moved out from the Botanical Gardens and placed in store at the 

council deport at Staniforth Road where she remains, pending agreement as to 

where she can be placed. 

2.6 This situation effectively means that the City Council as an organisation in default of 

its commitments in relation to the listed consent. It is not known what implications this 

will have for the authority. 

2.7 A brief chronology of the memorials history follows: 

• Memorial of gothic design erected at Moorhead in the city centre in 1862, “in 

memory of Sheffield soldiers who died in the Crimean War”. This original 

memorial was on a grand scale and in excess of 17m high. 

• Between 1957 and 1960 this memorial was dismantled for “street improvement 

purposes” and a much reduced form of the monument was erected in the 

Botanical Gardens, approximately 6m in height. 

• Some unused sections of the monument were sited in other parts of the city; 

other very decorative sections remain untraceable following this move. Research 

suggests that these were sold off in order to finance the relocation. 

• Monument Grade II listed in 1973. 

• During the development of the restoration plan for the Botanical Gardens circa 

2000, the landscape consultants suggested that the memorial was inappropriate 

for the gardens and proposed the reinstatement of a decorative fountain in the 

location occupied by the memorial. 

• During 2002 the programme for Botanical Gardens restoration made the 

requirement to dismantle and remove the monument a priority and proposals to 

site the memorial in Barkers Pool as part of the re-development of the city centre, 

(one position bordering the adjacent area of the proposed new retail quarter, the 

other closer to the junction with Pinstone Street), were actively considered with 

Officers from the City Centre Development Unit. 

• On July 23rd 2003 a Cabinet report recommended that proposals for the 

relocation of the Crimea Memorial to Barker's Pool be included in the designs for 

the redesigned public open space around the City Hall, on the understanding that 

the public would be further consulted about this idea. 

• On the 2 nd April 2004 listed building consent was gained to remove the memorial 

and put it into temporary storage prior to re-siting with the condition that it be reerected 

in a prominent city centre position within 2 years. 

• A subsequent report taken to Cabinet on the 12 th May 2004 recorded that the 

relocation of the memorial would not included as part of the Barkers Pool scheme 

for three reasons:- 

1. The proposal received a relatively low approval in public consultation 

2. Until further detail emerges regarding the layout and form of the New 

Retail Quarter it will not be possible to secure an exact location for the 

memorial 

2

3. Heritage Lottery Funding has been secured for the partial restoration and 

removal into storage of the memorial. However, the budget identified for 

the public realm improvements cannot meet the additional costs involved 

in relocating the memorial into Barker’s Pool. 

• In late 2004 the memorial was given a basic clean and repair, dismantled and 

fully recorded by Alan Bridgman stonemason, then put into storage at the 

Staniforth Road depot. The memorial remains at this location to date. 

• While the proposal to relocate the memorial in the City Centre was initially given a 

positive response, on further consideration the consensus of planning officers, 

senior officers in the Regenerations Projects Design Team and, elected members 

involved appeared to ultimately not consider this location to be actually suitable or 

feasible. It was also reported that public consultation revealed lukewarm support 

for the idea. 

• Unfortunately this decision making process does not appear to be fully 

documented, although some e-mail communication is on record. 

• An alternative site was then considered, the General Cemetery at Sharrow. While 

this had the support of the Friends of the General Cemetery, agreement could not 

be reached on location, the Friends wanting the monument outside the Cemetery, 

which was not acceptable to the Conservation Officer. 

• In December 2007 SD&PM were asked to undertake a Feasibilty Study on the 

options available for the reinstatement of the statue in Crookes Valley Park 

3 Feasibility Study 

3.1 Parks and Countryside Development Team’s identified a small amount of funding in 

late 2007 to commission SD &PM to assess the restoration options for the statue 

and to examine the feasibility of whether the terraces in Crookes Valley park might 

prove a suitable location for the Crimea Memorial. This location was suggested given 

its previous connection with the Crimea War as a pair of cannons, thought to have 

been retrieved from the Russian Army during the Crimean War, were originally sited 

in this location. 

3.2 Initial discussions with the “Friends of Crookes Valley Park” group received a positive 

response to the proposal. Due to the potentially high profile nature of the project no 

public consultation or publicity has taken place until the viability of the project in 

terms of both design and cost has been evaluated. 

3.3 Work to date by the SD & PM Architects Practice has included research and survey 

of the remaining elements of the monument which are still available, the location of 

other remnants, surveys of the site topography and sketch design work in both two 

and three dimensions. The design has aimed to better reflect the original proportions 

of the Moorhead original, and two height options have considered. It is the opinion of 

the project team that this work has confirmed the potential viability of the proposal. 

3.4 In addition the original estimates of the cost of re-assembling the monument were reexamined 

and the original contractor was asked to give a budget estimate for re- 

3

assembling the monument and putting back a short length of column to improve the 

proportions of the monument. 

4 Future works 

4.1 The proposal will initially need a thorough ground investigation and associated desk 

top report to evaluate the suitability of the site in engineering terms. The location is 

known to be of “formed ground” and as such this element is of vital importance. 

4.2 The work would then comprise the installation of suitably engineered foundations and 

the formation of a concrete core structure to support the memorial and provide a 

suitable base to fix the memorial stonework to. 

4.3 The statue and base currently in storage would then be re-erected on site using 

approximately 50% of additional new stonework in order to produce an approved new 

design. This new configuration would enable the memorial to display suitable 

proportions relative to both its original scale and new location. 

4.4 The new structure would include the provision of a central steel reinforcement bar 

which would run from foundation to top of the monument. The existing stonework 

would be repaired as necessary during the works. The new structure would include 

the addition of four Gryphons’ to the corners of the structure to match those on the 

original memorial. 

4.5 The works would include surrounding stone access steps forming a low plinth and a 

paved surround in the immediate area to provide enhanced access to the memorial 

for the public. In addition new seating and interpretation sign would be erected and 

work undertaken to the surrounding planting areas. 

5 Capital Implications 

5.1 A quotation has been obtained from Maysand the original contractors engaged to 

take apart the monument. They conclude that to re-assemble the monument and 

introduce addition decorative elements would cost in the region of £226,000 (2008 

prices). In addition landscape works to enhance the setting of the monument would 

be required which are estimated to cost an additional £65,000. On top of this sum 

professional fees would be required, giving a total sum in excess of £300k. 

6 Revenue Implications 

6.1 Limited funding has been secured to produce this report and produce a basic 

feasibility study and Officer Time has been found from within the Project Team to 

coordinate this piece of work. 

4

6.2 To progress this work any further will require dedicated Officer time to develop the 

proposal, obtain the necessary approvals, undertake consultation and seek additional 

funding. This work could occupy 50% of an PDO’s time for a period of 12 months. 

6.3 The restored monument will require some additional maintenance, but this is likely to 

be a relatively insignificant in scale. 

7 Funding Options 

7.1 Funding for the restoration of individual Grade II monuments and memorials is 

difficult to obtain, particularly of the scale required in this case. There are some very 

small grants available for monument restoration, but the only programme which 

might has the scale of the funding required would be a bid to the Heritage Lottery 

Fund under the “Heritage Grants” programme. 

7.2 The landfill tax is another source of potential funding to cover some of the cost, but 

there are a number of projects in P&C which will be approaching this fund in the near 

future and only a minority are likely to succeed. 

7.3 There are several reasons why a bid to the Lottery is unlikely to be successful:-. 

• Firstly, the original Lottery award to the Botanical Gardens was intended to 

include an element for both dismantling and reinstating the memorial which has 

been expended. 

• Secondly, there are a number of potential bids to this fund from across the city 

and it would need to be agreed at a corporate level that this bid is a priority for the 

city to enable to succeed. 

• Thirdly, the criteria for this programme requires a much more comprehensive 

approach to heritage projects. They must include a supporting educational 

programme and demonstrate wide scale public support and involvement , which 

could add another £200k to cost of a project and impact of the ongoing revenue 

costs. 

8 Conclusions 

8.1 The City Council is in default of its planning conditions and it is unclear what action, if 

any, English Heritage may take over this breach at a corporate level. 

8.2 As can be seen from the history of this statue, the responsibility for finding a new 

home for the CWM has been accepted in the past as an issue for DEL to resolve 

and this joint responsibility needs to be reaffirmed and accepted, rather than it being 

seen as an issue for P&C to resolve 

5

8.3 In view of the likely difficulty in obtaining funding, the most pragmatic option may be 

to argue that in the monument is in safe storage and this is the best protection the 

authority can offer the monument in the short to medium term. 

8.4 It is suggested that this issue is raised at DMT to ensure joint responsibility is 

accepted and a shared course of action is devised and agreed by all parties. 

Andy Catling 

6

Photomontage of proposed relocation in Crookes Valley Park 

Crimean War Memorial in 

previous location

STONEGUARD (MIDLANDS) LTD 

CRIMEA WAR MEMORIAL, BOTANICAL GARDENS, SHEFFIELD 

SURVEY REPORT AND PHOTOGRAPHS 

JULY 2004 

CONDITION OF EXISTING MEMORIAL AT TIME OF ORIGINAL 

SURVEY JANUARY 2001. 

The author was asked to survey the existing memorial within the Botanical Gardens 

by Sheffield City Council Architects Department early January 2001. Our brief was to 

inspect the condition of the existing stones, consider the possibility of dismantling the 

monument and submit budget costing's for the dismantling works, rebuilding works 

and the restoration of delaminated and spalled masonry. 

The monument was surveyed from pavement level with the assumption that the 

masonry insitu was the complete memorial, it was assumed that the masonry had been 

constructed in a traditional manner against we assumed a brick backing structure. On 

this basis we believed it would be possible to dismantle the masonry course by course, 

successfully reclaiming the stones with minimal damage to the components. 

During August 2001 our Budget Costing for these works was submitted. 

BUDGET COSTING FOR THE REINSTATEMENT OF THE COMPLETE 

MEMORIAL NOVEMBER 2001. 

Following receipt of photographs of the complete memorial we were asked to provide 

a Budget Costing for the rebuilding and restoration of the existing masonry 

components and replacement of the missing components to allow the complete 

reconstruction of the original monument. 

This costing was submitted on the 26 th November 2001 based on the photographic 

evidence available at the time. 

PRE TENDER MARCH 2003 & FEBRUARY 2004. 

(FIQURES 1 TO 7) 

Following receipt of tender documentation from Waterers Landscapes Plc (March 

2003). Our estimate of costs for the dismantling the existing structure within the 

Botanical Gardens now know to have been rebuilt in the 1950’s was submitted. 

Further documentation was received from the successful contractor Brambledown 

Landscape Services Ltd (February 2004). Our estimate of costs for dismantling the 

existing structure (Option A) and budget costing for rebuilding the complete structure 

(Option B) was submitted. 

PRE CONTRACT APRIL 2004. 

Following a joint meeting between the Client, Sheffield City Council, Brambledown 

and Stoneguard the contract to dismantle the existing structure was agreed on the 

basis that works would be complete within week commencing 24 th May 2004. 

AUTHOR: DAVID ALAN BRIDGMAN 

Page 1 of 5 

01/02/2007




Arrangements for the erection of the scaffolding, cranage and the provision of the 

masons and labour to execute the works were now in place. 

DISMANTLING WORKS MAY 2004. 

The scaffolding was erected during week commencing the 3 rd May (figures 8 to 15 

record the condition of the statue) 

The pre-cleaning works using the Doff System to remove the soluble dirt deposits and 

algae were completed shortly afterwards. (figures 16 to 25 record the condition of the 

pre-cleaned statue) 

Following close inspection of the statue from the standing scaffold upon completion 

of the pre-cleaning works it became apparent that extensive insitu repairs in a red 

cement mortar had been carried out after the last rebuilding works (figures 23-25). 

Damage to the bed and perpend joints had also occurred during we assume the 

original dismantling works and this has now resulted in oversized joints pointed in 

again a red cement mortar (figures 20-21 & 22-24). 

Dismantling works to the statue commenced during week commencing the 10 th May 

and the head and shoulders and sword were successfully removed within the 

estimated time (figures 26 & 27). 

Although the statue had been rebuilt in cement mortar the individual stones forming 

the statue were successfully dismantled stone by stone, the existing ferrous and slate 

fixings were also removed as the works progressed. (figures 28-30 & 35-37). 

These stones weighing between 500kg and 1500kg were lifted by locating a Lewis 

Pin’s into a pre-drilled hole in the sky facing surface of the stones to allow removal to 

ground using the adjacent standing mobile crane (figures 29 &30). 

The only area of the statue requiring substantial masonry replacement was found to be 

the previously insitu repaired lions head, details and dimensions have been recorded 

for future replacement in natural stone (figures 31-34). 

At this stage the works were progressing well and on programme. 

During week commencing 17 th May works began to dismantle the plinth and during 

attempted careful removal of one of the buttress/corner cornice stones damage by 

spalling to the adjacent coping stone occurred (figures 38 & 39). 

Upon close inspection of the exposed concrete the extent of the concrete backing 

structure now became evident (figures 40-42). 

A meeting was held on the 19 th May between all parties and it was agreed that further 

trials needed to be undertake to determine the extent of the concrete backing structure, 

core hole trials were arranged and these took place on Monday 24 th May. 

The concrete slab was established as being 220mm thick sat on a steel plate, the sides 

of the concrete behind the masonry were established to be 600mm thick (figures 

41&42). 

Consideration at this time was being given to breaking the concrete using mechanical 

plant following abortive attempts to break the concrete using hand held tools, further 

investigation resulted in the recommendation to employ hydraulic chain saw cutting 

techniques to cut the stone from the concrete to limit the amount of stone potentially 

damaged during alternative demolition works using mechanical means. Subsequent 

sample trials using the chain saw were successful and this was then adopted at the 

best method to reclaim the masonry forming the external face of the memorial plinth. 


Page 2 of 5 

01/02/2007




Chain saw cutting works commenced during week commencing 31 st May and the top 

course was successfully cut from the backing concrete (figures 43-45). 

Ring saw cutting methods were also employed to cut to a maximum depth of 280mm 

through the perpends and bed joints of each of the courses to reduce the damage to 

arris of the stones during subsequent removal (figure48). 

The second course was also removed using chain and ring saw methods (figures 50 

&51). 

Following removal of the top two courses attempts were made using hand held 

masons tools to expose the back of the vertical backing concrete and the bottom of the 

concrete slab. It was not possible to expose the top of the inscribed memorial stone 

and it now apparent that this stone is over 500mm thick, which together with the 

concrete backing we now estimate the total thickness exceed 800mm. Further 

exposure of the concrete now confirms the slab is reinforced and sat on a steel plate 

(figure 52). 

The time taken to remove the stone and concrete by hand is now deemed to be 

unproductive and following further discussions and advice from the specialist 

concrete sub contractor an agreement is made to remove the exposed slab and vertical 

backing concrete using hydraulic concrete bursting methods (figures53-55 ). 

During week commencing 12 th July the initial bursting methods were successful and 

the concrete slab broke away from the steel plate, however the steel reinforcement 

cast into the concrete prevented complete separation of the concrete resulting in the 

complete remaining slab moving on top of the steel plate below (figure56 ). 

The reinforcement bars then had to be individually cut to allow the concrete to broken 

away from the outer edge of the slab (figure57). 

This method continued until the slab was reduced to weight that could be safely lifted 

by the mobile crane to the adjacent rubbish skip and finally the supporting steel plates 

were exposed (figure 58). 

Following removal of the steel plates it was possible to inspect the internal core of the 

monument, it is now confirmed that the concrete has been poured and vibrated 

between the outer masonry and shuttering timbers (figures59-61). 

Further attempts to remove the vertical backing concrete continued using the busting 

techniques this was successful on three faces (figures62-65), this however resulted in 

damage to the masonry on the fourth left hand side panel (figures65-67). 

Further works using the bursting method were suspended and it was agreed that the 

remaining works would continue using chain saw cutting methods. Successful 

removal of the remaining stones was achieved by cutting all the joints (bottom, side 

and back) to allow removal by crane of the individual stones (figures68-71). 

Due to the maximum depth of cutting achievable with the chain saw it was not 

possible to remove the masonry forming the inset panels from the concrete. These 

were removed complete with the backing concrete following complete separation 

from the adjacent structure by chain saw cutting. A wagon with hiab was used to lift 

these stones from the structure and all three remaining inset panels (maximum weight 

5000kg) were successfully lifted on the vehicle (figures72-76, 79-81). 

The damaged inset panel (5500kg) was removed using the same method and 

deposited in the adjacent skip (this stone remains on site pending confirmation the 

masonry is surplus to requirements) (figures77&78). 


Page 3 of 5 

01/02/2007




The three reclaimed panels have be removed to J Oldham’s quarry and it is proposed 

that the face of the stone be cut away from the concrete using a primary saw capable 

of cutting through the full height of the stone. These stones (500mm thick) then being 

reduced to bed thickness of 150mm for reconstruction resulting in the remainder of 

the masonry being available to replace the one missing panel and other stones 

requiring replacement following the final survey of the required bed heights to 

achieve completion of the rebuilding works (figure74). 

The final two courses were successfully removed during week commencing 28 th July 

using chain saw cutting methods leaving the remaining concrete backing for removal 

by the main contractor (figures82-89). 

All the stone with the exception of the three panels taken to quarry are currently in 

storage at our premises in Rugeley (figures90-92). 

During week commencing 12 July all the existing mortar was removed from the joints 

of the stones forming the statue and plinth (figures93-96). 

Final polishing by hand will allow the statue to be rebuilt in the works to finally 

determine the extent of the remedial works to the statue (figures97-98). 

PROPOSAL FOR REBUILDING WORKS 

A full dimensional survey was undertaken prior to dismantling the memorial plinth by 

our drawing office and drawings have been prepared on AutoCAD. An individual 

drawing has been produced for each course together with a section through the 

structure. 

Section through records the individual courses as A to F. 

Course A being the top stone forming the coping stone. 

We propose to base our costing for the complete restoration on the following 

guidelines. 

1. That all profiled stones have been reclaimed but will require re-cutting to 

allow re-construction. 

2. That the inset panels are reduced to a bed thickness of 150mm. 

3. The damaged panel is reclaimed by reducing the bed (item2) and reusing the 

stone salvaged from the back of one of the existing panels. 

4. The buttress stones are rebuilt as cladding resulting in two new perpends in 

each course. 

5. Buttress stones will be cut from the nearest stone in course height to achieve 

the original height of the original memorial plinth (i.e. course B from course F, 

course C from course D, course D from inset panels, course E from course C) 

6. Areas of spalled masonry are repaired by indenting re-claimed stone re-carved 

to original line and or profile. 


Page 4 of 5 

01/02/2007





Page 5 of 5 

01/02/2007

From: Kent Emma (DEL) 

Sent: 29 December 2008 16:50 

To: Catling Andy 

Subject: FW: Crimea War Memorial 

______________________________________________ 

From: Kent Emma (DEL) 

Sent: 18 May 2006 16:09 

To: Neild-Banks Liz 


-----Original Message----- 

From: Stayte Miriam (DEL) 

Sent: 18 May 2006 15:31 

To: Kent Emma (DEL) 


Emma - please see below. 

The cost of storage was £4,833 

Miriam 

-----Original Message----- 

From: Lawrence Tom 

Sent: 18 May 2006 11:29 

To: Stayte Miriam (DEL) 

Subject: Crimea War Memorial 

Miriam, 

Costs below for Crimea War Memorial, I need you to add in for storage. 

• Removal of memorial/repairs - £74,665.13 

• Removal of stone paving -£6,584.00 

• Storage £? 

Regards, 

Tom 

Tom Lawrence BSc (Hons) MSc MRICS 

Project Manager 

Sheffield Design and Project Management 

Development Services 

Tel: (0114) 2736189 

Fax: (0114) 2736248 

Mobile: 07900 676797

PW/03329 

CROOKES VALLEY PARK 

BOAT HOUSE 

FEASIBILITY REPORT 

Sheffield Design and Project Management 

2-10 Carbrook Hall Road 

Sheffield 

S9 2DB 

0114 2736045

Introduction 

The building is sited to the north-west corner of the Crookes Valley Park lake, 

at the bottom of a grass bank adjacent to the Dam House Restaurant. 

It is thought the building was probably built about 1950, but this has not been 

confirmed. 

Description 

It is a brick smooth rendered structure, with a hipped roof with rosemary tiles. 

The roof structure is triangulated trusses so although the internal walls are 

substantial they are not believed to be load-bearing, but this needs 

confirmation. 

The building originally had six large windows with arched heads, but all but 

one of these have been partially blocked up and only high level lights remain. 

There are also three smaller windows, but two large window openings on the 

rear elevation have been blocked up completely. 

The building has been subjected to vandalism over many years. Many roof 

tiles have been replaced, the cast iron gutter is in place but downpipes are all 

missing, and graffiti on the render has had to be painted over. 

Consequently windows now have mesh protection and doors are metal-faced. 

There is a small chimney which served a fireplace which has been blocked up 

except for an air brick. 

The building at present is used only as a store for park-related impedimenta, 

and although electrical and water facilities are serviced these have been 

closed off. 

Proposed Refurbishment 

The Client (Parks and Woodlands/Art in the Park) in association with partner 

users wishes to put the building back into use for educational purposes. 

There is a pool of artists and volunteers wishing to run environmentally 

focussed creative activities. These include after-school art and poetry clubs, 

craft sessions, and developing fishing activities for young people. 

The accommodation required has therefore been identified as: 

Toilet accommodation (sufficient for up to twenty adults and young people, 

and including disabled facility) 

Kitchen/tea-making facilities 

Classroom/office space (ideally separate rooms but possibly partitioned) 

Hot desk studio/artist space 

Possible facility for serving ice-cream, etc. 

New heating facility, preferably wood-burning boiler with radiators 

Improved insulation. 

More natural light is needed in the building but new and existing windows will 

require shutters.

Proposed Remodelling and Repairs 

The roof requires minor haunching repairs and further new replacement tiles. 

Replacement windows may to be in upvc or timber double glazed, Planners 

will need to be consulted on preferred materials. 

One of the rear former window openings would be re-opened for a new high 

level window to serve toilet areas, shown on Drawing 02. 

Some length of the full brick wall (215mm) and the partition to the former utility 

room are to be removed. Taking the former shelter area into the curtilage of 

uthe building will maximise floor space available for a central area of 

classroom/display area. 

New internal walls proposed would be stud partition except for the wall to 

close off the boiler room, which would be 100mm blockwork restrained at 

ceiling level. 

New kitchenette units comprising sink, cupboard spaces, and electric service 

points allow the office to double as a messroom facility. 

Two new toilets, one to Part M specification, are provided, one opening off the 

classroom area and the other off a rear vented lobby. Storage is provided off 

the vented lobby (intended for storage associated with fishing activities) and 

off the main area. 

To one side a large new room is formed to double as a studio/hot desking 

facility, and perhaps for smaller group use. 

Internal faces of the external walls will need to be battened with new 

plasterboard linings and internal insulation to improve heat and fuel 

conservation. There is insulation ion the roof space on top of the ceiling but it 

would be expedient to supplement this during works. 

The boiler is to be a wood-burning type venting into the former chimney, and 

serving a circulatory radiator system. 

Floor finishes are suggested to be generally a linoleum (Marmoleum) but with 

non-slip vinyl in the toilets and kitchenette, and a heavy duty matting in the 

rear lobby and to the door area at the front. 

Ceilings are in fair condition but should be re-lined with new plasterboard on 

battens or joists to form true surfaces in the new rooms. 

There will be issues trying to find the best way to dispose of foul drainage as 

there is no adjacent present drain. There are options to be evaluated if the 

scheme progresses. 

Structural Engineer’s Comments 

A visual inspection of the building was carried out on August 2 nd 2010, the 

results of which are set out below. 

The external walls measure 300mm thick at the door openings. The external 

face is covered with a painted cement sand render which is in good condition. 

The bottom five courses are un-rendered. There is no evidence of a dampproof 

course. 

Due to the wall thickness, even allowing for the render and the lack of header 

courses visible on the un-plastered internal face it is likely that the walls are of 

cavity construction.

The thickness of the wall between the main store and the covered area on the 

south-east elevation was not ascertained. However there is a header course 

six courses down from the top suggesting a solid wall. 

The internal walls are solid brickwork except for a timber stud wall between 

the mess room and office. The wall between the mess room and the store 

which is only half a brick thick contains a chimney breast. 

No major deformation of line or major cracking to any of the walls was 

observed. There is visible damp to the internal face of the external wall to the 

south east, moisture content readings of 30% were recorded. Externally at 

the same location surface water is leaching from the adjacent grassed 

embankment and is ponding outside the building. 

Concrete lintels span over the door and window openings both externally and 

internally to the north-west and south-west elevations. These appear to be 

sound except for the window to the south end of the south-west elevation 

where the outside face has spalled off. The window heads to the south-east 

elevation are arched as are the openings to the covered area to the north-east 

elevation.

The floor finish is concrete except for an area near the external door to the 

office which is finished with quarry tiles. 

The floor is sound except for an area near the external door to the office in the 

north-west elevation where the surface is breaking up. 

The type of foundation is unknown but is assumed to be strip footings. 

The only access to the roof space is via a ceiling hatch in the mess room. 

The roof space was not entered. As a result only a limited area of the roof 

was able to be observed due to the internal wall between the mess room and 

store partially extending into the roof space, limiting visibility. 

From what could be observed the roof is of timber rafter construction covered 

with a bitumen roofing felt. The rafters appear to be supported on the 

external walls. As far as can be assessed the roof structure appears sound 

with no evidence of spread or major sagging. Some staining of the timbers 

was observed, probably from previous leakage. Maximum moisture readings 

of 12% were taken which is just below the figure where rotting may occur. It 

should be stressed, however, that these readings were taken over a very 

limited area. 

A brickwork chimney protrudes from the roof. This is rendered similarly to the 

external walls. From a visual external inspection this appears sound with no 

major cracking or deformation. 

Based on the limited survey the building appears structurally sound. 

It should be stressed that a more extensive survey of the roof space will be 

required prior to the proposed removal of the internal walls., However, initial 

observations suggest that the wall between the main store and the external 

covered area is non-load-bearing. 

Whilst the chimney appearsd sound at present, consideration should be given 

to removing it to prevent possible future health and safety issues. If it is used 

to house a future boiler flue appropriate work would be undertaken at that 

time.

Electrical Engineer’s Report 

Currently the building does not have an electrical supply, it has switchgear 

and an incoming cable which it is assumed originally supplied the installation 

but there is no information/evidence as to the source. There is no separate 

service cut-out so it did not have its own separate supply. 

The building has one distribution board to supply the complete installation, 

which is located in the present kitchenette area. 

Wiring is a combination of surface clipped, contained in a surface conduit 

system, or contained within the ceiling void and it has been undertaken in an 

ad-hoc fashion which is untidy in many areas and the condition is just 

acceptable to poor. 

Current earthing and bonding is untidy but seems generally acceptable, but is 

not compliant to current regulations. 

Artificial lighting is provided via tired-looking fluoresecent luminaires without 

diffusers. 

Power is provided by a limited number of surface-mounted socket outlets. 

The building currently has no fire alarm or emergency lighting. 

A new electrical supply will need to be installed, either from an acceptable 

remote source by means of an underground cable or by means of a new 

separate supply from the Supply Authority. 

For any sort of refurbishment it is recommended that the existing installation is 

fully replaced, and the replacement would need to comprise: 

Mains distribution infrastructure 

Comprehensive earthing and bonding 

Lighting installation including external areas 

Power installation including any remote electricity supplies for bespoke park 

use 

Suitable fire alarm and emergency lighting 

Electrical supplies and control circuitry for heating, hot water, and ventilation 

equipment 

In addition intruder alarm, ICT equipment and CCTV may be needed 

dependent on Client requirements

Quantity Surveyor’s Report 

The works generally comprise the demolition of the internal walls to the store 

rooms of the existing building. New internal walls and partitions are to be 

constructed to form an Art Studio, classroom, office, two store rooms, boiler 

room, WC and Disabled WC. 

New external uPVC or timber doors and windows are to be fitted. Internal 

doors will be solid core to half-hour fire resisting standard; all ironmongery will 

be heavy duty stainless steel. All walls and the ceiling are to be redecorated 

and internal doors will receive a paint finish. All external walls and solid 

internal walls will be dry lined with a thermally backed gypsum board. The 

office is to be fitted with units and a sink. The internal floor levels will be 

made level throughout the building. The ceiling will be made to run through 

at one level and also be overboarded in plasterboard and this will receive a 

plaster skin coat. 

Floors will have non-slip vinyl covering to both WCs and the remainder will 

have a Marmoleum covering except the boiler room which is not to have a 

floor finish. 

Space heating is to be a wood-burning manually fed boiler supplying hot water 

to radiators of suitable size and output. All radiators will be fitted with 

thermostatically controlled valves. 

A complete rewire is envisaged with all necessary heating controls and 

mechanical ventilation supplied by the new rewire. An over sink water heater 

has been included within this scheme to supply hot water. No allowances 

have been made for any upgrading of existing service supplies as the current 

capacity is deemed to be adequate for the proposed work. 

External works comprise repairs to the roof, gutters, fascia, soffites and 

rainwater goods to match the existing. New DDA compliant ramps are to be 

formed to both front and rear entrances by reforming the tarmac footpath and 

erecting handrails. The existing tarmac footpath is to be renewed around the 

perimeter of the building. 

A new pumped connection manhole is to be constructed together with new 

drain runs connecting to the drain in the park area. A new back inlet gulley is 

to be installed to allow for drainage from the new kitchen and cleaners sink. 

Nominal allowances have been made in the costs for works associated with 

potential asbestos removal. This will be further refined once survey details 

have been completed and the full extent of the works defined. 

Building £103,000 

Preliminaries £16,000 

Contingency £5,000 

The estimate of costs shown above are subject to the works being carried out 

before March 31 st 2012. 

Beyond this date it is anticipated that the prevailing rate of construction 

inflation will need to be added to the above figures. 

This estimate has been prepared to the details and descriptions provided by 

SDPM Architects. 

Professional fees are not included.

Assessment Team 

The building was visited and surveyed by the following on August 2 nd 2010 to 

prepare the foregoing report: 

John Brown Senior Architect 2736045 

David Hardwick Architectural Assistant 2736070 

Richard Coe Structural Engineer 2736050 

Richard Payne Electrical Engineer 2736096 

The following were consulted but did not visit on this occasion 

Paul Bangert Architectural Assistant 2736067 

Steve Guest Principal Engineer 2736103 

Paul Sheen Quantity Surveyor 2736223 

PW/03329 

6/8/10/JB 

10/8/10/PI 

11/8/10/PS

371 

110 

369 

( 

367 

67 85 

( 

132.2m 

wimming Pool 

365 

& 

363 

361 

102 

( 

79 

El 

Sub Sta 

( 

349 

( 

130.8m 

& 

92 

BM 131.92m 

& 

& 

63 

Gymnasium 

( 

0 

82 

( 

HARCOURT ROAD 

55 

300 

& 

72 

129.4m 

( 

D Fn 

45 

& 

Shelter 

62 

Shelter 

27 35 

BM 127.80m 

Old Dam House 

( 

127.9m 

375 

The Cottage 

& 

( 

& 

FS 

& 

Sluice 


Park 

Playground 

CROOKESMOOR 

Boating Lake 

( 

600 


& 

Boating Lake 

& 

Bowling Green 

600 

Roman Coins found 

1823 

229 

( 

D Fn 

( 

r 

( 

( 

Bowling Green 

& ( & 

( 

229 

( ( 

PCs 

124.4m 

( 

Shaft 

(disused) 

Obelisk 

MUSHROOM LANE 

122.4m 

Weston 

Park

Art in the Park Ponderosa, Crookes Valley Park & Philadelphia Gardens 

Consultation 2009 

Summary of Consultation: 

As part of the 3 Parks Consultation Art in the Park (Sheffield) ran 3 creative 

events in the parks, handed out over 500 questionnaires, attended a family event 

at Netherthorpe Primary School and led the consultation at a stakeholders 

meeting. The Regeneration Officer also attended various local forums (including 

Walkley Forum, Upperthorpe TARA, the Crookesmoor Bowling Club’s AGM) to 

give presentations on the masterplan and leave questionnaires with the groups. 

From the questionnaires we had 167 responses of which most people were from 

S11, S10, S6 and S3. We had 48 responses from children. 13 people used 

Philadelphia, 95 used Ponderosa and 59 used Crookes Valley Park. 

Crookes Valley- 

1 www.artinthepark.org.uk 

(poster of events) 

We set up a creative consultation event on the 24 th October 2-4pm but due to wet 

weather we had to cancel, instead the team walked around the park and spoke to 

people using the Park. It has been felt throughout the consultation that we have 

had a lot of input from people who use Crookes Valley park; the feedback we 

received was in depth and meaningful and the Friends of Crookes Valley Parks 

played a large role in previous consultation and the stakeholders meeting. 

Questionnaire results: 

What do you use the park for? 

Dog walking 7 

Use of the playground 15 

Use of the sports areas 9 

To watch wildlife/birds 19 

Fishing 6 

To get to and from places 31 

To relax and sit down 33 

To exercise: walking or jogging 28 

Other- please state 9 

(Main uses in red) 

Those that reported “other” suggested they used the park to feed the ducks, 

biking riding, bowling, to have lunch, drawing, sketching, working, to maintain 

sanity!

Do you find the site welcoming? 

Yes (only two reported no). Reasons for this were: 

o The park is spacious, clean and well maintained 

o Most users are friendly 

o The park-keepers are friendly and around. 

o It feels cared for 

o Fellow dog-walkers chat 

o Over-looked from road so feels safe 

o It’s nice to see different people using it 

o There are lots of trees, green space, water, birds 

o It’s light 

o You can see your children wherever they are in the park 

o Easy access 

But…. 

o Handrails needed up some steps. 

o There are access problems for some people e.g. no wheelchairs or 

buggies can access from Harcourt Rd and access from Dam House 

Lane/Mushroom lane is hazardous, etc. 

o Not keen on the Mushroom Lane/Dam House corner - it just feels a bit 

intimidating if walking alone. 

o Routes/ paths can be hidden, steep and feel unsafe 

o Derelict land by the lake can attract undesirables 

o Looks dated compared to Weston Park 

Thinking about the park you use most often please rate the following: 

Very Good Average Poor Very No 

good 

poor opinion 

Signage 5 13 23 4 3 12 

Access paths 2 24 20 3 8 2 

Sports facilities 3 12 17 5 10 12 

Play Facilities 6 28 12 3 1 7 

Wildlife 2 21 16 9 2 9 

Design and overall 

appearance 

4 22 17 2 0 3 

Cleanliness 12 25 18 2 1 1 

(Red represents the highest rating) 

Overall the park rates “Good” 

2 www.artinthepark.org.uk

Which of the above do you think is most in need of improvement? 

10 access paths, 7 appearance, 4 cleanliness, 5 play, 6 signage, 7 sports, 6 

wildlife- Local residents feel that Access Paths are most in need of improvement. 

Would you like more events in this park? 

14 no, 49 yes 

Examples of events that people would like to see include- 

o Fruit picking, 

o Boating/boat races, 

o Outdoor cinema, 

o Fishing classes for kids, 

o Bird watching, 

o Wildlife watching, 

o Star gazing, 

o Heritage walks, 

o Nature walks, 

o Art exhibition, 

o Pond dipping, 

o Information events about sustainability. 

o Sports, 

o Outdoor music events, 

o More Art in the Park, 

o Kids activities, 

o Family activities 

o Water sports 

o Day events, 

o Ranger events, 

o Farmers markets, 

o Simple events which show children the beauty and importance of nature, 

o Outdoor sculpture 

If you could change or add anything to this park what would it be? 

o Café/Ice-creams in building 

next to lake. 

o Better use of the lake, egg 

boating, watching wildlife. 

o Wilderness area on 

Mushroom Lane side could be 

improved. 

o An area that is flat to kick a 

ball around. 

o There are a lot of steps down 

to the playground. 

o See saw in the playground, 

o Duck house, 


o Improve parking, 

o Make the lake safer and a 

wider path around it/ make it 

harder for children to access. 

o Turn one bowling green into a 

football pitch, 

o The main bowling green is in 

need of protection from being 

used as common ground 

(could be hedges as at 

Longley Park which would 

enhance the Park not spoil it), 

signs asking not to play on

and keep off are badly placed 

and poorly composed 

o More benches, 

o Access paths for prams, as 

most parents enter from 

Harcourt rd, and there is no 

direct pathway leading to the 

playground. 

o More wild and colorful 

planting, 

o To make the hut into some 

kind of classroom for 

environmental studies, i.e. 

what animals are in the park, 

why the park was built 

o Don't allow dogs in the park, 

o Sport facilities for young 

people, 

o Brighten up playground, 

o Make lake more wildlife 

friendly. 

o Make the lake a feature for 

sports 


o Put more info on signs about 

the park and dam, 

o Reintroduce the rabbits, 

o Add recycling facilities, café, 

o Clean up the lake for use of 

wildlife - birds and fish. It 

smells, and looks so murky 

and full of rubbish at the 

corners. 

o Rowing boats/ I think boating 

would be too dangerous as it's 

40' deep in the middle. All 

children would need life 

jackets nowadays. 

o Activities for older children 

o Stop students from playing 

football and riding their bikes 

on the bowling green 

o Change one of the bowling 

greens into a sports area for 

older children and adults 

o More toilets 

Other Comments: 

o Wonderful to see the good solid benches in Crookes Valley Park, and all 

the hard work done by statutory and voluntary workers. 

o There have been very welcome recent improvements egg planting at 

entrance of Crookes valley and Weston Park. Also day to day 

management is very good overall. 

o Would prefer the Park not to be tidied up as much as Weston Park - 

children enjoy playing in wilder areas 

o Concerned about potential abuse to bowling club members when asking 

people not to play football/ golf on the greens 

o It would be great to pull the Parks together especially after the success of 

Weston Park. Each park could have their own identity and be linked. 

Do you use any of the parks on your route from one place to another, if so 

where are you going? 

Beanies, bus stop, city centre from Walkley, Harcourt road to university, 

Home to town to hospitals, to school or a friend’s house, to work, 

hospital/dentists, University, Weston Park.

Additional points were raised at the Friends of Crookes Valley Park 

Walkabout 12/08/08, and the Masterplan stakeholder meeting 29/09/09 

Enhance wildlife value of lake by: 

• Establishing duck island/s 

• Creating beach area at edge of shallower zone in south corner 

Enhance recreational/ leisure opportunities by: 

• Restoring boating house (fishing? cafe? outdoor classroom) and toilets 

• Re-establishing parking facilities for park users in the car park in the west 

corner of the park 

• Redesigning and replanting the area where the old boat store used to sit 

• Completing the programme of bench renewal 

• Planning and undertaking maintenance programme for south east 

woodland including wood chip surfacing of footpath 

• Providing additional playground equipment 

• Installing irrigation for main bowling green 

• Developing boating and fishing opportunities 

Improve pathways and terraces by: 

• Upper terrace- providing additional seating and new flower/ shrub beds 

• Middle terrace- transforming into recreational areas or resurfacing, 

installing Queen Vic/ Britannia to replace guns 

• Lower terrace and most paths also need partial or comprehensive 

resurfacing (some resurfacing work is being planned but its scope is 

unclear) 

• Painting existing handrails 

• Providing handrails on steepest parts of path down from Dam House Lane 

to lake 

• Creating wheelchair accessible entrance and footpath from Harcourt Road 

to upper terrace 

• Creating new footpath without steps from Mushroom Lane entrance to 

bowling greens 

Issues / Suggested Improvements 

• Terraces need improvement – central one currently used for bowlers 

parking 

• Could look at boats, café & fishing as a whole package 

• Use of the University Car park for Park users 

• Link footpath from top of park – would mean 2 nd terrace could be better 

used and cars could use other driveway and be out of main body of park 

• Improve paths, narrow terrace pathways 

• Management plan needed for the woodland area (to link to Ponderosa 

woods) 


Consultation with Sheffield Canoe Club 

The Regeneration Officer contacted the Canoe Club via email in October 2009 to 

find out about their usage of the Lake and whether they had any ideas for future 

improvements. Points made in their response included: 

• The lake is pretty much the perfect resource as it’s so close to Goodwin 

and great for beginners to start learning on. 

• The only problems that we have experienced whilst at the lake is a bit of 

antisocial behaviour from certain individuals who have wanted to use our 

equipment on the lake. 

• We were wondering whether there was any possibility of utilising the 

rowing boat shed for storage of canoes, as our current boat shed isn’t in 

an ideal location and is small. 

Conclusion 

Overall, this park is seen as a welcoming, well maintained space. 

The consultation suggests that the main issues that local people would like to 

see resolved are: 

Lake: This is the focal feature of the Park and needs to be utilised to its full 

potential. Many consultees were keen to see more water based events/activities 

take place. The masterplan should consider enhancing the wildlife value of the 

Lake through planting marginal vegetation and installing a floating island. Fishing 

is a key activity in the Park and as such consideration should be given to the 

installation of fishing platforms. 

Boat House: The regeneration and future usage of the Boat House is a great 

opportunity, with community support for it becoming an outdoor classroom, café 

or concessions facility. Further exploration needs to be carried out regarding the 

viability of these options e.g. discussions with Woodthorpe Development Trust 

who have expressed an interest in using the boat house to run classes such as 

bird watching and fishing from. 

Play: The consultation suggests that local residents believe the playground could 

be brightened up and improved through adding extra pieces of play equipment. 

The masterplan could consider extending the boundary of the playground into the 

woodland that slopes above it to include elements of naturalistic play. 

Bowling Greens: Through the consultation, questions have been raised around 

whether there is still a need for the second bowling green, and whether there is a 

more appropriate use for it e.g. a sports area for young people. The consultation 

revealed that the Crookesmoor Bowling Club is a well attended and well 

supported Club with a wide catchment area. The bowling greens are also in 

keeping with the identity of Crookes Valley Park with sports use being more 

appropriate to the Ponderosa. The bowlers have requested that fencing or 

hedging be installed around the green. The masterplan needs to consider 


whether this would be an appropriate solution to the current problems being 

experienced here. 

Access paths: In particular consider improving access to the playground. Local 

residents have highlighted various paths around the Park which would benefit 

from improved surfacing and installation of handrails. 

Parking: There are currently parking issues relating to the use of the Bowling 

Greens. The bowlers are currently using the middle Terrace as a short term 

solution. A more appropriate long term solution needs to be found. Visitors to the 

Park have also experienced problems parking nearby- a solution may lie in 

reaching agreement with the university regarding the use of the Car Park 

adjacent to the Dam House. 

Public Facilities: Many park users have requested that public toilets be 

available in the Park. Further investigation should be made into whether the 

toilets adjacent to the Dam House could be made available to the public (as 

agreed in the lease). 

Planting: The consultation suggests that people would like to see more wild and 

colorful planting which could be achieved through replacing some of the tired 

shrub beds and planting up the area where the old boat store used to be located. 

Ponderosa 

(photos of the park) 

On the 24 th Oct 11-1pm we set up our gazebo in the Ponderosa 20 students from 

the University of Sheffield met us to help with the day and also to do some litter 

picks. But due to the wet weather only 6 adults and 4 children attended, however 

all completed questionnaires and the children made monsters that lived in the 

park. Some of the comments that came from the monsters were: 

o More colorful swings and slides 

o I wish there was more shelter 

o Make sure no dogs are allowed in the children’s area 

o More benches needed for relaxing 

o More underground tunnels and proper marking for the of the park- not 

sure what this means 

o Big slide and swings needed 

We also attended a family day at Netherthorpe Primary school on the 21/10- here 

we made monsters with the children and filled in questionnaires, we spoke to 

over 40 children and adults and included the finding in the results below. 


In addition to the results from completed questionnaires, a specific consultation 

exercise was carried out about the Ponderosa at the Peace In The Park Festival 

(June 2009). These have been grouped together with the questionnaire results in 

the summaries below: 


Dog walking 24 




Fishing 1 






Those that reported “other” suggested they used the park for PE lessons, 

community events, games with grand children, BBQ’s, taking the baby for a walk. 


23 no, 84 yes Reasons for this were: 

o It always looks good no matter what the weather - except the litter, 

o Nice mix of activities and people, 

o Grass is always well kept, 

o Planting of trees good idea, 

o Peaceful, enclosed, 

o Because there are lots of friendly people about, 

o Because the dogs can't get in the playground, 

o Because we stay as a group, 

o Lovely to have green surroundings, appreciated very much 

o It’s a lovely green park with lots of trees and a good play area for children 

o It’s clean 

o Friendly 

o Easy access 

But… 

o Access from Oxford St not obvious. 

o Entrance from Crookes is very off-putting, dark and often littered. 

o Litter and broken glass 

o Because not everyone around there is safe to be with 

o Because there is a church where you can run to, and my house nearby, 

o From the bottom and it feels a bit scruffy. I've seen rats down here 




good 

poor opinion 

Signage 9 39 31 10 14 4 

Access paths 22 39 29 7 2 3 



Wildlife 14 27 25 16 7 7 


appearance 

16 38 27 8 6 2 

Cleanliness 14 37 21 14 11 3 


Overall the park rates “Good/Average” 


12 Access paths, 7 appearance, 11 cleanliness, 17 play equipment, 5 signage, 6 

wildlife, 13 sports facilities- Play equipment is in most need of improvement 


8 no, 87 yes 

Examples: 

o Music festivals, 

o It would be great if it ran over 

the whole weekend and 

possible a little later into the 

evening. 

o More similar events would be 

great. 

o Children’s events, 

o Football tournament, 

o Brass bands, 

o Car boots, 

o Play groups, 

o Wildlife, 


o Youth and sports groups, 

o Circus, tennis, 

o Picnics, 

o Dog show, 

o Craft fairs, 

o Family events, 

o Fundraising, 

o Fun day, 

o Community sports day for the 

younger people 

o It would be great if the 

Ponderosa carnival of 

previous years started up 

again, or if there was an

annual fun day like at Ruskin Park 

As part of the consultation we contacted the Peace in the Park festival 

organisers. They said that the main improvements they would like to see were to 

the top field nearest Crookes Valley Road. These improvements would include 

better drainage and a vehicle access ramp from the car parking spaces down on 

to the field. These improvements would enable the field to be used for activities 

which requires some form of temporary vehicle access e.g. stallholders, 

marquees and staging. 


o Some locations for 

establishment of those 'all 

ages' keep fit things. 

o Bottom boundary with 

Upperthorpe rd could be more 

interesting - but without 

interrupting the view from the 

road. 

o Improved areas for children, 

young people and old people 

to play sports, exercise and 

play. 

o Thin South Back Woodland 

and add shrubs. 

o Improve access paths at top 

of Ponderosa, improve wildlife 

in woodlands. Prevent dog 

mess on open areas. 

o Link path around football pitch 

back to playground. 

o Spotlight path in the lower 

half. 

o Make more inviting to 

approach, it's a great facility 

that few people know about. I 

didn't even know it was there 

until attending Peace in the 

Park, 

o Add a building for youth work 

and sports clubs. 

o Rugby posts, 

o Tennis court and bird feeders, 


o A really big slide, 

o Trampoline and racing track, 

o More grass on the football 

pitch, 

o A path going up the hill to the 

flat area, 

o No motorbikes, 

o Dogs bins at entrances, 

o More local community 

involvement, 

o Add nets to goal posts, 

o Signage and access paths 

need improving, 

o Basketball court, 

o Swings, 

o BMX track to be gravel 

instead of grass, 

o Roundabout, 

o Add a buggy-friendly path that 

looped round the whole of the 

top half of the Ponderosa - at 

the moment it stops halfway 

round by the climbing rock. 

o Get rid of the ants in the 

children’s playground. 

o Fix benches and replacing 

burnt-out items, 

o Bowling green on Ponderosa 

o Older persons playground, 

including swings 

o From the top it's hard to see 

that it's a lively big space.

Could do with a view into the park 

o Upgrade the paths and the 100 steps through the woods 

o It’s huge! It needs more park playground stuff! 

o Should celebrate it more as it’s great 

o We need more events like Peace in the Park 

o CCTV would be good 

o There should be more cycle ways through the park- to link in with other 

cycle ways in the neighbourhood 

o More wildlife habitats 

o Need signs to find it! 

o Some benches, more play equipment and a multi sensory sculpture trail 

o More seating 

o Lighting in park would be good 

o Tarmac whole length of the bike path from shops to flats so it is no longer 

muddy and slippery 

o Overgrown paths in the wood 

o Hard to find if you don’t know the area as Crookes Valley, Ponderosa & 

Weston Park are all grouped together as Crookesmoor Parks on Google 

Maps 

o Paths too slippy in woodland 

o Some violence, gangs hanging around 


o Very under-used resource for sports, rough play, enjoying wildlife, 

o Better resources needed to support the maintenance team, 

o More dog wardens, 

o The playground is only suited for little kids, 

o Need more security, 

o I keep seeing rats, but cleanliness is improving, 

o Entrance from the road at the top would be good 

o Glad care will at last be lavished on the Parks 

o Several comments were made about improving access to Crookes Valley 

Park including “More zebra crossings would be helpful! Not very safe- 

some kind of traffic calming needed, More crossing points needed” 

o I like the openness of the Park 

o I love the playground 

o Weston Park is too formal- I like the wildness of Ponderosa 

o The climbing boulder is the best bit 

o Topography is good 



Town, Kelham island, university, crookes to Philadelphia, school ,Tesco, Weston 

park, work, St Stephen’s, from office to Edward St Flats/Netherthorpe school, 


Walkley to town, visiting family and friends, Hallamshire/ Weston Park hospital, 

From Upperthorpe to Crookes 



• Plan and undertake woodland management to enhance this woodland’s 

value as one of Sheffield’s best inner city wildlife havens (whilst 

maintaining its woodland character). This will also have a positive impact 

on perceptions of safety. 

• Link up footpaths that currently dead end 

• Develop nature trail circuit 

• Add topsoil to football pitch and improve its drainage 

• All age gyms could be considered: in an open and visible area (any 

lessons learned from Endcliffe Park?) 

• Re-establish stream that used to flow on the surface in the south western 

part of the valley, restoring it to its original condition. (Important to 

consider maintenance implications of this). 

• Vehicle access control may be required 

• Possibility for SUDS scheme/ retention ponds to be investigated further 

• Explore different mowing regimes 

• Need to increase footfall to and through Ponderosa. This could be 

achieved through better links, signage and improved entrances 

• Scope for further development of orchard/ fruit trees 

From walkabout 8/12/08: - 

• Suggested removal of hawthorn hedge alongside path/woodland from 

entrance with Display boards and pillars 

• Long grass around the football pitch should be flailed once a year- 

potential for wildflower plug plants here? Ensure is on maintenance 

schedule. 

• Most important to open up sight lines from Crookes Valley Rd into park- 

thin the woodland and open up views through. 

• More seating in park required- discussed that a seating area near 

Upperthorpe Road would be desirable for shoppers. 

• Improvements to footpath network to top end of park- upgrading and 

linking paths both on flat circuit and through the trees. 

Conclusion: 

Overall this park is also a well loved and enjoyable space. The consultation 

suggests that the main issues that local people would like to see resolved are: 


Woodland: The consultation suggests that local residents find accessing the 

Park through the woodland intimidating due to the enclosed nature of this area. 

The masterplan should consider highlighting areas within the woodland that 

would benefit from selective thinning (also supported by the Phase 1 Ecology 

report), particularly along path edges and to open up views into the Park. 

Access paths: Woodland footpaths have been identified as particularly slippy 

and treacherous. The masterplan should consider resurfacing certain paths, 

reconstructing the worst steps on the site and providing handrails in the steeper 

sections. Residents have also highlighted the need to link up existing footpaths to 

allow better circulation around the Park. 

Signage: The consultation has flagged up a need for improved signage in the 

Park, which is currently almost non existent. Existing noticeboards have been 

added in an ad hoc fashion and are of different styles which does not help create 

an identity for the Park. The masterplan should consider the identity of the 

Ponderosa (Countryside? Rural? Urban Park?) and suggest how this could be 

achieved through new signage, entrance and edge treatment. 

Site Furniture: Residents have highlighted a lack of seats and benches in the 

Ponderosa. These should be located at key positions on the main routes around 

the Park and the style of the benches should fit with the identity of the Park. The 

masterplan should also look at whether more dog bins are required in the Park. 

Entrances & Edges: The consultation highlighted that many people from the 

wider area were not aware of the Ponderosa. This is partly due to a lack of 

visibility into the Park from Crookes Valley Road (could be achieved through 

woodland management as highlighted above), but also due to low profile 

entrances. The masterplan should consider how to improve the main entrances 

into the park through new signage, noticeboards and edge treatments. Local 

residents have also highlighted the need to improve the bottom boundary of the 


Planting & Biodiversity: The masterplan should consider bringing more colour 

into the Park through wildflower plug plants around the football pitch. Thought 

should also be given to ways in which the orchard could be further developed. As 

described in the Ecology Report the woodland would also benefit from thinning to 

give native species the opportunity to flourish. 

Sports & Play: The football pitch being in the location it is in (close to the 

universities and city centre) is in great demand but almost unplayable. The 

consultation demonstrated that there is a lot of support to upgrade this pitch. The 

masterplan should also consider how the lower playground could be improved 

and how better links could be made to the upper playground. Consultation has 

also shown support for all age gym equipment in this Park. 


Philadelphia Gardens 

(photos of the park) 

On the 29 th October we were part of a celebration event in Philadelphia Gardens, 

it was good weather and turn out, with everyone working together to launch the 

new basketball court. We worked closely with Zest and Sheffield Homes for this 

event and spoke to 17 children, 5 adults and 5 children. The monsters that were 

made suggested: 

o In the Kids' area: Fix the floor and the swings, 

o Skate area: Take out skateboard park and put in playground equipment, 

Take off spray paint, put in swings and stuff. Not many people do 

skateboarding! 

o Teen shelter: Put some swings here. I like it here because it's sheltered 

from the rain, 

o Wooded area: Cut down some of the bushes. Less rubbish, less trees and 

bushes in the way. 

Questionnaire results: 


Dog walking 4 




Fishing 0 






Those that reported “other” suggested they used the park for drawing and 

sketching, to take the children out on the bikes, to put on events, to go to work, 


6 no, 5 yes. Reasons for this were: 

o People just walking through are not caring for the area, 


o Sometimes there are trolleys and glass about, 

o It just feels like a strip of land going from one place to another, and sadly it 

is often vandalised. 

o Because it is surrounded by woods and things. 

o I don't think it's very safe if kids are playing in it. 

But… 

o Very quiet when I walk. 

o Lots of things to look at, butterflies, birds, its getting better, 

o Wide, well maintained path. 

o Light and airy, 

o Wooded area, 

o It is better at the top end now that the graffiti has faded and the trees have 

been tidied up 

o Because there are no high climbing frames 



good 

poor opinion 

Signage 0 2 3 3 3 2 

Access paths 2 4 3 1 1 0 



Wildlife 2 5 3 2 2 0 


appearance 

0 4 4 3 1 0 

Cleanliness 0 2 7 2 2 0 


There is no average rating for this park 


1 access paths, 1 appearance, 4 cleanliness, 3 play, 1 signage, 1 wildlife 

Cleanliness of the park is in most need of improvement. 


1 no, 11 yes 

Examples: 

o Fruit picking, 


o Music and dance, 

o Nature walks for children with a site map treasure hunt, 

o Conservation events - getting local people involved in looking after the 

place, especially the plants. 

o Art in the Park, 

o Children’s events, 

o Festivals 


o More bulbs, 

o Good to have some info on 

wildlife. 

o Improve track from Yeoman's 

rd- it gets very muddy and 

slippery in winter. 

o Better distribution of seats. 

o Play equipment and 

skateboard area need 

upgrading. 

o Haven't noticed any signage, 


o Add more fruit trees and 

plants to make it an enjoyable 

place to be, 

o Put in a death swing, 

o Stop drug users and drug 

dealers using this park. 

o Improve cleanliness, 

o Climbing frames, 

o Basketball court: have a little 

shop selling drinks and 

snacks, and renting out 

basketballs and footballs for a 

£1 deposit 


o I like the peacefulness, and wouldn't want to see it changed too much; it is 

a beautiful walk 

o Signs giving the area a name could give the area a sense of place, rather 

than just being a corridor. 

o The wildlife is surprisingly good, I have seen various tits and some finches 

in nesting season and I really think these should be encouraged, not 

trampled on if other improvements are made. 

o There are also a few fruit trees (apple and pear) and blackberry bushes in 

the park and I think more could be made of these, and more planted. 

o Provide dog bins and make dog owners pick up their dog mess. 



Tesco, the shops, town, doctors, library, Langsett to Upperthorpe 



Suggestions for Improvements

• Open up sight lines and clear dense vegetation to enhance visibility, 

reduce feeling of enclosure and make it feel safer 

• Bring site into a regular maintenance programme of grass cutting and 

shrub pruning 

• Layout may need changing due to safety and access issues 

• Set up a Friends of Philadelphia Gardens group 

• Develop play value of existing playground 

• Teen shelter currently attracts a lot of anti social behaviour- is this facility 

appropriate to the site 

• Skate Park is not used very much 

• Entrances to be clearly marked giving identity 

• Vehicle access control may be required 

• Site is used as a walk through to school…… opportunities with trail 

markings on the path to encourage people to walk through the Park en 

route to school 

• Problems with young people hanging out on toddler playground- may be 

due to isolated nature of youth shelter- is there potential to move this 

somewhere more visible? 

• Skate bowl doesn’t work for skaters due to rail on top of bowl- causes 

problems. 

• Signage needed and entrances formalising/upgrading 

Conclusion: 

This under used space is loved by those that use it. Local people particularly 

value the wildness of this space. However the consultation has highlighted that 

the masterplan needs to address the following issues: 

Cleanliness: One of the issues that local residents felt most strongly about was 

the amount of litter on the site. The masterplan should look at whether there are 

enough litter bins on site, and Sheffield Homes should review whether the bins 

are emptied on a regular enough programme. 

Signage: The consultation has shown that local people would like to see more 

signage in the Park which would help to create a feeling of place and also help 

people orientate themselves in what is quite a difficult site due to changing levels. 

By assigning signage to the main entrances, there would be the feeling of 

entering a Park as opposed to merely passing through a green corridor. 

Play: The skate park is not used, largely due to poor design but also due to 

people not feeling safe in this area with limited surveillance. The masterplan 

should explore an alternative use for this space; possibly targeted at older 

children as the toddler playground on the edge of the site caters for younger 

children. The masterplan should also consider whether the youth shelter should 

either be relocated or removed from site entirely as currently it is a target for anti 

social behaviour. The consultation highlighted that the existing toddler 

playground could be improved through adding further pieces of equipment. 


FINAL POINTS……. 

One of the key aims of the masterplan is to create a better green web network 

between all of these three Parks. This could be achieved through: 

• Improved signage throughout all three Parks, possibly linking in with the 

style of Weston Park 

• Improving Pathways to DDA standard where possible 

• Creating a pedestrian link between Crookes Valley Park and Ponderosa 

• Creating green routes and corridor connections to link up with Philadelphia 

Gardens. This could be achieved through tree lining certain roads 

(possibly through the Community Forestry programme) or identifying 

incidental green spaces in the area and piecing together a patchwork of 

gardens and squares 

Incidental green spaces that have been highlighted through the consultation 

and should be looked at through during the masterplan design are: 

o Albion St/Oxford St corner 

o Garden of Crookesmoor Community Centre, 

o Roebuck rd/Crookesmoor rd, 

o Ashberry rd/Upperthorpe, 

o Daniel Hill Peace Garden, 

o Blake St and walks through Bakendale Conservation Area. 

o Anywhere that links to the river Don, 

o Small space next to the old Crookesmoor Middle School needs 

tidying up etc, Site at junction Harcourt rd and Northumberland 

rd, Ex glass research home, 

o The River Don corridor, and all its tributaries, 

o Bole Hills, Ruskin Park, Rivelin Valley, Ponderosa and 

Philadelphia, 

o Walkley Green opposite Netto 

o Garden of Crookesmoor Community Centre, 

o Some of very small Sheffield Homes spaces in Lower Walkley, 

o That little part next to Oxford St. Active Habitat Management 

o Langsett Green space is a wonderful large area that is 

completely under resourced, 

o Space at back of Crookesmoor primary school, 

o Lower Walkley Green 

o Top side of Kelvin 

Finally, one recurring point has been prominent throughout this process. Whilst it 

is vitally important to link the parks better together, it is essential to understand 

the nature and purpose of each individual Park in order to create a different role 

and identity for each one. 


REPORT: Mini Green Spaces Celebrations, June 2010

The Project 

The Mini Green Spaces Celebrations Project was commissioned by The Central 

Community Assembly to encourage more people to engage with small green 

spaces in their area, to find out more about how people use these spaces at 

present and to investigate what changes they might want to see in them in future. 

Three green spaces were identified in Walkley and Upperthorpe as particularly 

important. 

Art in the Park held one event in each of the green spaces as part of this project: 

1) 2 nd June, 12-2pm Lower Walkley Green Space 

2) 3 rd June 12-2pm, Oxford St/Albion St 

3) 4 th June, 12-2pm, Sydney Rd/Burns Rd 

All the events took place during half term, to encourage families to attend. 

Research Methodology 

The project had three elements:

1) Carrying out questionnaires about the spaces with the public (at events 

and door to door) 

2) An artist-led activity making mobiles about the spaces, using photographs, 

text and found objects 

3) Gathering comments about the spaces at events 

The questionnaires allowed us to gather a combination of qualitative and 

quantitative data about the spaces whilst the creative activity and comments 

allowed people to be more playful and imaginative in their responses to the 

space and encouraged new, celebratory engagements with the spaces. 

We took litter-picking equipment to the events and encouraged volunteers and 

participants to have a go. This provided a springboard for people to get more 

involved in the spaces and develop a sense of ownership.

Findings 

“We were looking at how we can use what we find around us, what we like about 

these green spaces including drawings of what we would want to find in these 

green spaces. They were successful workshops where people enjoyed what they 

made.” (Anneke Kuipers, Artist Facilitator) 

SYDNEY ROAD/WELLFIELD ROAD 

“It’s lovely to be able to look at all the green around here, but it’s not actually 

used that much” 

“It might be nice to have some community events out here” 

“I’d like to see some flowers planted” 

(Participants at the event) 

Most people questioned about this greenspace either don’t use it or just enjoy 

seeing the space. This may be because most of the residents of the flats at the 

top of Wellfield Road are elderly and have limited mobility. I suggest there may 

be a division between the views of these residents and the residents of the big 

houses on Sydney Road who seem to be mainly students or families and thus 

have different motivations. The vast majority of respondents thought the space 

was very nice or OK. 

There were a wide spread of views about the best thing in the space, but popular 

answers included that it is well-kept, green and nice to look at. These answers 

seem to reflect the less mobile, elderly population. Many respondents failed to 

identify any negative aspects of the space, but there were some concerns about 

dog mess and litter. Many people talked about the lack of seating and that there 

had been a bench which had been vandalized and removed. Some of the elderly 

people were really keen for this to be replaced, but quite cynical about how long 

it might last. Some respondents asked for kids’ equipment but we were 

concerned about how much this would be of real use as there didn’t seem to be 

many children living in the immediate area.

Number of Users 


12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

9 

8 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

0 

Use for? 

Short cut Exercise Seeing 

greenery 

Reason for Use 

Don't use Other 

What do you think of the greenspace? 

Very nice It's ok Don't like it No response 

Opinion



6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

0 

Preservation 

10 

9 

8 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

0 

Too small 

Location/Shortcut 

Not well‐lit 

Well‐kept 

Messy/Overgrown/Dog mess 

Best thing? 

Green 

Peaceful 

Nice to look at 

Opinion 

Worst thing? 

Nothing to do 

Opinion 

Sloped 

Wildlife 

Other 

Other 

Nothing 

Nothing


8 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

0 

Seating 

What would you like to see it used for? 

Clean up 

Sport/Football 

Kids Facilities 

Current use 

Opinion 

Scenery 

Art work 

LOWER WALKLEY GREEN SPACE 

Other 

Not Sure 

“It’s really nice to see children playing here, but the top part needs to be mowed 

and the car park needs to be reclaimed into the space as it didn’t have proper 

permissions.” (Participant at the event) 

Most respondents use this greenspace for dog walking and they all feel that it is 

very nice or OK. From talking to local residents, it is clear that this space is highly 

valued. A recent planning infringement into the space led to resident uproar and 

a TARA has since been formed, which has gained preservation orders for some 

trees in the space and applied for village green status for the space. Local people 

have also been working on maintaining the space, using their own mower to trim 

the grass. 

Most people seemed to feel that the best thing about the space was simply that it 

was communal green space, but many would like more resources in the space, 

especially kids’ equipment. At the moment there are some rope swings which 

could possibly be replaced by slightly safer play equipment. The space also lacks 

any seating.



3 

2 

1 

0 

3 

2 

1 

0 

Walking 

dog 

Use for? 

Short cut Exercise Seeing 

greenery 


What do you think of the 

greenspace? 

Don't use Other 


Opinion



3 

2 

1 

0 

2.5 

2 

1.5 

1 

0.5 

0 

Best thing? 

Location/Shortcut Wildlife Other 

Messy/Overgrown/Dog 

mess 

Opinion 

Worst thing? 

Nothing to do Nothing 

Opinion


4 

3 

2 

1 

0 

What would you like to see it used 

for? 

Kids Facilities Art work Other 

Opinion 

OXFORD STREET/ALBION STREET 

“I love the amphitheatre effect in this space. It should be used for theatre shows!” 

“It can feel unsafe here as it’s quite overgrown” 

“Someone needs to stop the fly-tipping that happens here” 

(Participants at the event) 

Most respondents either didn’t use this space or used it as a shortcut. Many of 

the people using it as a shortcut were students walking to University or the City 

Centre. Many of the other respondents were council staff based in the Lifelong 

Learning and Skills Unit on Crookesmoor Road (directly behind the space). Many 

of them don’t use the space. Most people felt the space was OK. 

Many respondents liked the greenness of the space and the wildlife in it. 

However, many others couldn’t identify anything positive about the space at all. 

The messiness and overgrown nature of the space, coupled with problems of

littering and fly-tipping were the main problems identified. The clean up in this 

space had the most profound effect. Sheffield Homes staff were also cutting back 

the overgrown vegetation around the time of our event which should have made 

a difference to the feel of the space, making it less enclosed and intimidating. 

There was a suggestion that one of the plants in the space is Japanese 

Knotweed, so Sheffield Homes were unable to cut this back. In future, people 

would like to see more clean up work in the space. Some people mentioned 

wanting kids equipment in the space, but I doubt this would be used that much as 

the Ponderosa playground is so close. 



12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

Use for? 

Short cut Exercise Seeing greenery Don't use 


What do you think of the 

greenspace? 


Opinion


8 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

0 

Preservation 

Location/Shortcut 

Well‐kept 

Best thing? 

Green 

Peaceful 

Opinion 

Wildlife 

Secret 

Other 

Nothing



12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

Too small 

Seating 

Messy/Overgrown/Dog mess 

Litter/Dumping Ground 

Worst thing? 

Opinion 

Hidden 

What would you like to see it used for? 

Clean up 

Kids Facilities 

Wildlife 

Current use 

Art work 

Opinion 

Community garden 

Other 

Place to eat 

Other 

Nothing 

Not Sure

Conclusion 

The workshop activities encouraged people to come out and use the spaces 

more, look at what is around them and imagine what could be. The findings were 

quite different from one space to the next, which reflects the diversity of users 

(from students to council staff to families to elderly people). As such, it is 

impossible to draw one overall conclusion, beyond the space-specific results 

outlined above. Instead, we have created a selection of potential future activities 

which could come out of this research. 

Future projects could include: 

- Employer supported volunteering encouraging council workers from the 

Lifelong Learning and Skills Service to make more improvements to the 

Oxford Road/Albion St space. 

- More consultation with the Lower Walkley TARA to support them in 

improving the space, potentially installing some kids’ play equipment if 

appropriate. 

- Installing a bench near the flats at Sydney Road/Wellfield St space for 

elderly residents to use. 

- Communication with Sheffield Homes and local TARAs about the findings 

of this project and discussion regarding any further action.

Table giving details of consultation carried out to inform the Crookes Valley Park, Ponderosa & 

Philadelphia Gardens Masterplan 

Stakeholder/Interest Group Consulted Aim Date 

Peace in the Park User Surveys & Graffiti User surveys carried out at Festival to find out why people June 2009 

Wall 

perceptions of Ponderosa and ideas for improvement 

Friends of Crookesmoor Parks Meetings Discussion of masterplan progress with feedback given about Various 

issues in the Parks and ideas for improvement 

throughout 

masterplanning 

process 

Public Masterplan Meetings Meetings held at ZEST to update and review on masterplan Four public 

process, with opportunities to discuss, inform and agree 

meetings from 

masterplan proposals and recommendations 

September 2009- 

June 2010 

Your Say Community Assembly event Discussion about Park issues with local residents June 2009 

Art in the Park Consultation Events To find out what local people liked and didn’t like about their local September & 

including monster making activities in the parks- using innovative art activities as a medium for 

October 2009 

three Parks & Netherthorpe Primary 

School Workshop 

communication 

Walkley Forum AGM Presentation about the masterplan with opportunity to discuss 2 

priorities and issues in the Parks 

nd November 

2009 

Upperthorpe TARA AGM Presentation about the masterplan with opportunity to discuss 11 

priorities and issues in the Parks 

th November 

2009 

Helen Banks, Weston Park Museums & To find out how Weston Park could more closely link with 

November 2009 

Galleries 

Ponderosa & Crookes Valley Park and discuss how future 

development of these 2 parks could add to and enhance Weston 

Park (and vice versa)

Targetted consultation with identified 

interest groups via individual meetings, 

telephone conversations & email: 

Sheffield University Canoe Club, No 

Limits Film Festival, Sheffield Homes, 

Councillors, Ponderosa Environment 

Group, Sheffield Bird Study Group, 

SPRITE 

Local TARAs: 

Crookes and Upper Walkley Tara, 

Martin& Oxford Street Tower Blocks 

Tenants Association, Springvale & Amos 

Tara , St Stephens Tara, Langsett and 

Walkley Community Association 

Ryszard Szumski, Woodthorpe 

Development Trust 

Peter Gribbon. 

‘Education through Angling’, Abbeydale 

Industrial Hamlets 

To find out how the Parks should be improved with regard to 

individuals/groups particular areas of interest 

2009 & 2010 

To find out local TARA perceptions of their local Parks Various dates 

To find out about the work that WDT is carrying out through their 

‘Get Hooked On Life/Fishing’ and investigate whether there is any 

potential to further develop the project in Crookes Valley Park. 

To find out about the ‘Education through Angling’ work that PG is 

carrying out at AIH and investigate whether there is any potential 

to further develop the project in Crookes Valley Park. 

Gareth Roberts, Peace in the Park To find out what Park improvements would help develop the 

Ponderosa as a useful events space 

Matt Dean & Katherine Mudge, ZEST To find out about activities and events that ZEST run in the area 

and discuss how they could make the most of the Parks on their 

doorstep 

8 th June 2010 

14 th June 2010 

7 th July 2010 

7 th July 2010

Meeting With Gareth Roberts, Peace in the Park Organiser. 

7 th July 2010 

Discussion about Park improvements that would help develop the Ponderosa 

as a useful events space: 

Vehicle Access 

• See map to show how 1 way system should be developed 

• Junction near the playground needs widening for vehicles 

• Drop kerbs at vehicle access points 

• Vehicle access to upper playing field needs improving (narrow track 

needs widening) 

• In an ideal word grass grids in the middle section of Ponderosa where 

main foot traffic occurs (although need to consider conflicts regarding 

use of this space by other Park users) 

• Important that drop bollards are flush with surface (recent issues when 

this wasn’t the case) 

Utilities 

GR felt that providing utilities would make the biggest difference in terms of 

developing the Ponderosa as an events space (especially sewerage). 

Pop ups(wind up boxes that can be wound down into the ground to minimise 

vandalism/ trip hazards etc) or robust static cabinets could be installed to 

house: 

Power: Events generally require 240V/ 64A. Would need one source of power 

per area (i.e. 4) and ideally underground ducting for distribution. 

Water: PitP currently plumb into a water source in the Tower Blocks but does 

not meet H&S standards. Ideally a connection and meter would be run off the 

mains water supply, and an agreement on service charges put into place. 

Telecoms: This would be the icing on the cake- being able to offer EPOS 

(Electronic Point Of Sale) would be particularly attractive to trades-people. 

PitP currently use radios but because of the changing levels they’re not that 

effective. 

Sewerage: Portaloos are currently the largest cost for event organisers, with 

significant environmental costs. Peace in the Park have expressed an interest 

in being able to bring flush toilets into the Park in the future which will involve 

linking into the existing sewerage system. 

The following info has been provided by the SCC Drainage Section “The 

public sewers are the responsibility of Yorkshire Water and they would not 

normally allow covers on public sewers to be removed/altered to make 

discharges. However, it would be possible to construct a private chamber and 

pipe work (belonging to the park) which connects to the public sewer. The 

actual connection to the public sewer would be by agreement with Yorkshire 

Water. Similarly a water supply could be taken off the Yorkshire Water main to 

a water meter, and a private water supply pipe onto the site. The cost private 

pipes/chambers, and the YW connection fees charged before the connection 

is made, would the responsibility of the park owners. The water consumption 

and the sewage disposal would be charged based on the meter reading

of water supply. So a temporary toilet block could be positioned on site and 

connected to the private water supply pipe and private foul chamber/drain.” 

Drainage: Issues in the lower part of the site. Needs to be considered and 

potentially included if improvement works are carried out here in the future.

Meeting with Peter Gribbon, Abbeydale Industrial Hamlets 

14.06.10. Crookes Valley Park. 

Aim of Meeting: To find out about the work that Peter is carrying out at AIH 

and investigate whether there is any potential to further develop the project in 


‘Education Through Angling’ Project 

• Has a contract with the Education Authority for the next 3 years 

engaging hard to reach kids from 27 different schools in ‘Education 

through Angling’. There are currently 24 placements, with student 

placement attending the project for up to 3 days per week. 

• The work that Peter does with the kids is linked to numeracy and 

literacy through getting involved in measuring fish growth, measuring 

pollution, developing the fishery itself. 

• Target 14-16 year olds through the programme. Would like to expand 

the programme to cater for 16-19 year olds. 

• Run fishing taster events 

• Environment Agency work with ‘Education through Angling’ and 

provide advice and support. 

• Some of the young people who have been through the programme 

have now returned as volunteers to help out with running the project. 

Potential of Crookes Valley Park 

• Available facilities would need to be checked by the Education 

Authority to ensure meet Health & Safety standards. 

• Very supportive of the fishing platforms 

• ‘Education through Angling’ would ideally include two classrooms and 

toilet facilities. Although kitchen facilities are not essential to the project 

as packed lunches could be brought in for the students, a canteen to 

serve refreshments to pupils and visitors to the park would be ideal. 

• If the project was viable at Crookes Valley Park, Peter said that it could 

be possible that they ran a kiosk in the Park. This could be part of the 

developmental learning programme for students. 

• Due to the success at AIH, Peter is keen to see this project develop on 

different sites across Sheffield and keen to increase the number of 

placements. 

• Peter thinks that Crookes Valley Park is in an ideal location for this 

project. 

• Depth of water a problem beyond 8ft as the lack of light and the 

thermocline to the deeper parts of the water limits the potential. Trout 

are one of the few species of fish that are able to survive in deeper 

water. The commercial trout fisheries usually benefit from deep clean 

cool unproductive waters because trout are sensitive to high 

temperatures. 

• The project for Crookes Valley would be more attractive to users as a 

sustainable coarse fishery and beneficial to wildlife if habitat 

improvements were to be undertaken.

• The present depth of the water and lack of suitable aquatic and semi 

aquatic vegetation limits the potential biodiversity of the site. 

• Ideally the depth of the lake would be much shallower (8ft max, with 

shallow grading from the edges) if it is to be developed as a successful 

fishery able to support projects such as this. 

• More vegetation around the edges of the Lake would be beneficial to 

fish populations 

• Boating and fishing do not have to be mutually exclusive- they could 

co-exist if managed well with zoning

Meeting With Ryszard Szumski, Woodthorpe Development Trust 

08.06.10. Crookes Valley Park. 

Aim of Meeting: To find out about the work that WDT is carrying out and 

investigate whether there is any potential to further develop the project in 


Woodthorpe Development Trust 

• Run a fishing club in various areas around Sheffield including 

Stradbrooke, Woodthorpe, Handsworth, Lower Manor & Richmond. 

• Currently run a fishing programme for young offenders at Aston, where 

there is a private lake with good facilities 

• WDT own 4 fishing permits that young people on the course can use 

• Staff are ‘Angling Development Board’ coaches 

• WDT have used Crookes Valley Lake in the past with the original aim 

being that the Dam House facilities could be used for toilets/ food etc. It 

didn’t work out as the food was too expensive. 

Using Crookes Valley Park 

• The Pavilion would ideally house toilets, a small kitchen, and a 

classroom. 

• Boating could co-exist with running a fishing project in the Lake through 

zoning 

• Very supportive of the fishing platforms. Recommended including 

umbrella fixings. Ideally 8/10 along the suggested side, 2 of which 

would ideally be disabled accessible. 

• Would be good to extend the jetty for fishermen 

• Very supportive of the idea of floating islands being anchored off the 

permanent island as this would provide enhance habitat for fish. 

• There is potentially an interim measure that could be found, bringing 

young people in for single days if toilet facilities and meeting space 

could be agreed with the Dam House. 

Action: AR to investigate this possibility with the Dam House. Are 

they able to give this project access to toilets, meeting space and 

reasonably priced sandwiches? 

• WDT would like to run a taster session over the summer (possibly 

funded by the Environment Agency). Is it possible to tie this in with 

another event scheduled to take place over the summer in the 

Park?

Crookes Valley Park_Ponderosa_Philadelphia greenspace.pdf

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