Nigel Dunnett — 30 years of projects across South Yorkshire

Sheffield's Investment Zone: an opportunity to showcase the city’s “green” future?

The UK’s first Investment Zone has been declared spanning Sheffield city centre, the Lower Don Valley, Rotherham and beyond. The economic objectives are clear, but there is little mention of sustainability.

This feels like a major omission and a lost opportunity. The Investment Zone is home to many businesses that support a sustainable future. Sheffield has committed to net zero carbon by 2030 and is known for its pioneering work to create sustainable urban places. Why not build on this experience and know-how to create the UK’s “greenest” Investment Zone?

Imagine extending Grey to Green across Sheffield city centre and using the river, canal, railway, roads and development sites of the Lower Don Valley to showcase what an adaptive and resilient urban environment should be.

Placemaking, Regeneration, Climate EmergencyMiranda Plowden20 September 2023Don Valley, urban ecology, Oliver Gilbert, wild figs, David Nash, Sheffield Development Corporation, Carbrook Hall, pleached limes, Chatsworth, Green Estate, Nigel Dunnett, Grey to Green, River Don Comments