Pounds Park, Sheffield for Sheffield City Council with Planit, ARUP, Henry Boot PLC Construction, Whittam Cox Architects and Dudleys

Part of the Heart of the City regeneration framework, this £470 million development spans 7 hectares, aiming to boost jobs, investment, and wellbeing. A 0.4-hectare green oasis offers a child-friendly space with interactive, inclusive equipment, sensory elements and a climbing boulder inspired by the Peak District. The Bright Sparks in Pound’s Park initiative features interactive sessions and workshops focused on Sheffield’s heritage and future. The project includes 39 new trees and 830m² of diverse planting to enhance biodiversity.

Who is on the project?

Landscape Architect Team - Sheffield City Council 

Civil Engineering and lighting - ARUP 

Construction - Henry Boot PLC 

Landscape Architecture - Planit  

Architects - Whittam-Cox 

Civil Engineering - Dudleys  

Lighting and Art - Julian Stocks 

Public Engagement - RivelinCo 

Play supplier - Timberplay 

Describe the context of this project and its neighbourhood and people. 

Pounds Park is a new urban park set within Sheffield City Council’s Heart of the City regeneration framework. A £470 million development across seven hectares of land designed to stimulate jobs, investment, and enhance wellbeing. The park was originally intended for development but a post pandemic shift away from retail and commerce, together with an increasing resident population, led to a child friendly and green ‘park first’ strategy. The park’s positioned in a highly accessible area near key bus links and the central retail core. It’s neighbourhood, within Heart of the City’s mixed-use development, is surrounded by new and re-purposed offices, studios, independent shops, apartments and townhouses. Enlivened streets and public spaces connect the thriving area to serve the needs of office workers, families, and visitors day and night. The 0.9 acre green oasis provides an expansive and fun, child-friendly space that adds character and escapism to the area.

Tell us what you did and how it created a child-friendly place. For example, how does it support the rights of the child to rest, relax, play and to take part in cultural and creative activities in a safe and clean environment?

Pound’s Park was designed with families in mind, offering a diverse range of experiences for children to play, relax, and socialise - something that is often missing in cities. The park’s landscape architecture blends hard and soft landscaping to create an inviting, functional space for all ages. The playground is packed with interactive, inclusive equipment, such as pyramid towers, stainless steel slides, climbing structures, a seesaw, and wheelchair-accessible play features. Sensory-rich elements, including water play areas, a sandpit, and musical chime blocks, foster imaginative play, engaging children and encouraging creativity. A standout feature is the new climbing boulder, inspired by Peak District rockfaces. The structure is designed to challenge a wide range of ages and abilities, promoting both physical activity and outdoor exploration. Accessibility is a key focus, with consideration given to wheelchair users. Accessible sand platforms and bridge crossings across the park’s water rills ensure children of all abilities can enjoy the space equally. In addition to the play areas, Pound’s Park includes areas of lawn, rain gardens, and flexible family spaces for relaxation, with plenty of seating scattered throughout. The park’s planting and new trees provide seasonal interest, contribute to biodiversity, and help with urban cooling. To enhance the overall experience, the park is equipped with public toilets making it a comfortable and convenient destination for families to spend quality time together. Thoughtfully designed to be inclusive, Pound’s Park is a place where everyone can connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.

How did the project make a positive social and environmental contribution in the context of child health childhood and wellbeing?

Pound’s Park was designed to positively impact child health, childhood well-being, and the environment in Sheffield through sustainable design and community engagement. The park’s features not only support environmental sustainability but also create child-friendly spaces that benefit both the local ecosystem and the community. The park contributes to environmental sustainability with green infrastructure, including 39 new trees and 830m² of diverse planting. These additions enhance biodiversity and provide climate resilience, which is particularly beneficial for children’s health, by improving air quality in the city. Additionally, the park includes 340m² of rain gardens that help manage runoff and improve water quality - ensuring a cleaner and safer environment for children to play. Habitat enhancements, such as bird and bat boxes, further encourage urban wildlife, offering educational opportunities for children to engage with nature. The park was designed with inclusivity in mind. Accessible play areas ensure that children of all abilities can enjoy the space, promoting well-being and fostering a sense of belonging. Extensive community engagement ensured the park met the needs of local families, helping to foster a sense of long-term ownership and pride among children and caregivers. The park’s legacy is ensured through its ongoing management by the city centre ambassador team who maintain the space - keeping it clean, safe, and inviting for future generations. This long-term commitment, along with the park’s focus on inclusivity and environmental sustainability, guarantees its continued positive impact on child health and well-being.