City centre revamp begins

Work has begun on a scheme to transform a key site in Sheffield city centre into a public space. Sheffield City Council is leading the improvements to Barker's Pool, which surrounds the grade II* listed City Hall. Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward has already committed £5.1 million to the project, with a further £700,000 coming from developer Hammerson, which created the nearby New Retail Quarter. Confirmation of further funds from the European Objective 1 programme towards the Barker's Pool scheme and the refurbishment of the City Hall is expected within the next few weeks.