News - Outcry over plans to demolish Sheffield city centre building

RESIDENTS are mounting a campaign against plans to knock down a historic building on the edge of Sheffield city centre.

Hambleton House, the former offices of the Passenger Transport Executive, has stood on Exchange Street, off Park Square, since the 1920s.

Since the SYPTE moved into new offices some years ago, the six-storey building has become derelict and now owners South Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority Properties Ltd want to knock it down.

Their notification sparked a flurry of letters from 24 concerned residents and city planners have ordered the developers to obtain proper planning permission before they can demolish it.

Gregory Deryckere, of Nether Edge, said: “Exchange Street needs some heritage to retain character in an area blighted with poor architecture. It is one of the only examples of tasteful architecture in the area.”

Glenda Meeson, from Greystones, said: “It seems a shame to destroy yet another old building in Sheffield, especially when so many have gone. We will not see its like again.”

And Neil Keally, of Nether Edge, said: “A city centre building of this stature, history and architectural interest should absolutely not be allowed to be simply demolished.

“The building should be incorporated into a scheme to redevelop the area.”

Now residents are looking into getting the building listed to protect it.

John Haddon, who works for the Integrated Transport Authority properties branch, told the council: “The building is falling into a state of disrepair with increased concerns with security, maintenance and health and safety issues.”

He said the demolition would go ahead between October 17 and January 30 next year, with one storey at a time knocked down.

Now the council has ordered the developers to submit a proper planning application, which may delay the project.

But Mr Haddon said the developers had not yet decided whether to go ahead.

“Although a planning application for demolition has been submitted to Sheffield Council, this was a legal requirement in order that demolition could proceed, as and when the shareholders of this company give their approval, which is by no means certain.

“Other possible options are to refurbish the building and/or work with the council to maintain the building in some format.”

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/outcry_over_plans_to_demolish_sheffield_city_centre_building_1_3876257

Vintage vehicle fans urged to hit the road for event days

VINTAGE vehicle enthusiasts are invited to the latest event day at the South Yorkshire Transport Museum in Rotherham.

Such events take place less than once a month at the museum, located on Waddington Way in Aldwarke.

Activities will run from 11am to 4pm, with a vintage bus running a regular shuttle service from Rotherham Interchange.

A spokesman for the museum said: “The museum is one of the newest attractions in South Yorkshire and has something for everyone, from heritage bus rides, to our newest additions including a fire engine and World War Two DUKW.

“We now also have a much larger display area.

“There will be the chance to see one of only two Rotherham motorbuses ever restored.

“The museum also has a collection of older buses and other varied vehicles, and transport items.

“Entry is just £3.50 for adults, £2 for concessions and £8 for a family of up to two adults and three children.

“If you bring a pre-1973 classic vehicle, you will be given free admission.”

Future event days will be held on Sunday, September 18 and Sunday, October 9.

Meanwhile, the annual South Yorkshire Transport Rally will also be held at Meadowhall Coach Park on Sunday, September 18.

The museum spokesman said: “Vehicles which attend are usually based in South Yorkshire, the North East and the Midlands, although we have had some vehicles travel from much further.

“These vehicles have been lovingly restored to their former glory and are on display for you to see.”

From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/vintage_vehicle_fans_urged_to_hit_the_road_for_event_days_1_3662657