Sheffield Hallam University has completed three new state-of-the-art, net zero–ready buildings at its city campus, marking a major milestone in its ambitious transformation programme.
The new facilities named Langsett, Redmires and Strines, provide exceptional teaching, research workplace and social environments for more than 5,000 students and staff. Together they establish a renewed civic gateway for the university and the city, connecting the campus with the heart of Sheffield and creating new public spaces that encourage collaboration and engagement.
The project was delivered through the Hallam Alliance, a first-of-its-kind partnership between Sheffield Hallam University, BDP, ARUP, BAM and CBRE – which integrates design, construction and facilities management under one collaborative framework. The alliance model promotes shared responsibility, collective decision-making and long-term performance, aligning all partners to the same sustainability and operational goals.
The buildings have now been home to Sheffield Business School, the Institute of Social Sciences, Architecture, Law and Justice, and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology for a full semester. They form an inclusive and flexible academic setting that supports cross-disciplinary working, professional partnerships and future growth. The development also introduces Hallam Green, a welcoming public space with extensive planting, public art and outdoor seating. It is a new heart of the city offering a calm and vibrant place for students, staff and the community to meet and connect.
At the start of the semester, former Education Secretary Lord David Blunkett unveiled a commemorative plaque and described the development as a “symbol of connection between learning and enterprise” that reflects Sheffield’s identity as a university city.
The design supports Sheffield Hallam’s ambition for a sustainable, human-centred campus that brings people together through wellbeing interventions, flexible, technology-rich environments and generous public spaces.
Langsett accommodates Sheffield Business School and includes specialist facilities such as a trading floor, exhibition space and business engagement zone. Redmires provides new teaching and collaboration spaces for the Institute of Social Sciences, Architecture and Law & Justice, including a moot court and legal advice clinic. Strines houses the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology, featuring robotics, VR/AR and immersive learning studios.
Beyond its educational role, the new development reinforces the university’s civic identity. The site opens up a new public route between Sheffield Station and the city centre, creating a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone. The landscape design supports a significant increase in biodiversity, wellbeing and inclusivity, and extends the university’s vision of a campus that contributes to the wider urban life of Sheffield.
Richard McDowell, Architect Director at BDP, said:
“This project represents a fundamental shift in how universities engage with their cities. Our design has created a new entrance to the city whilst being a connected, people-centred environment that supports new ways of learning and working, opening the campus to the wider community. It’s a place that celebrates Sheffield’s character – inventive, hard-working and grounded in collaboration.”
Toby Ward, Director of Estates Development at Sheffield Hallam University, said:
“We are incredibly proud of our fantastic Howard Street development and the huge collaborative effort it took to achieve this new heart for our city campus.
“It is wonderful to see our staff and students using the new world-class facilities and spaces as they were intended – as vibrant, collaborative spaces. The development also provides a new gateway to the city and will be a huge asset to the University for many years to come.”