The Business Case

"quantifiable returns can be made when making places more pedestrian-friendly. Such improvements that increase footfall can be seen to directly lead to increased retail sales."

"...compared with other often more costly transport options, improving a place for pedestrians and cyclists can offer a good return on investment, especially for retailers."

Background 

In the early 1990s, Sheffield faced several challenges, not least the decline in steel and engineering industries, and the opening of Meadowhall, a huge shopping centre on the outskirts of the city. The city had to rethink its offer to bring investment, employment and visitors back into the centre. 

Intervention 

The Heart of the City project was the first in a succession of regeneration projects (that now make up the Gold Route) designed to welcome visitors to the city. Phase One of the project was completed in 1999 with the delivery of three key public realm improvement projects: the re-construction of the Peace Gardens; the re-alignment and narrowing of Pinstone Street to create a new event and gathering space outside the Town Hall (the new Town Hall Square), and the narrowing of the carriageway in Surrey Street to give pedestrians more space. 

Outcome 

An evaluation of the public realm improvements to the Peace Gardens reported a 35% increase in footfall in the City Centre. The authors estimated an attribution rate of 20% – 44%, or a net increase of visitors of 350,000 –770,000, and a net increase in spending of £4.2 million (based on 7% attribution of additional spend of £12.20 per visitor). Reported regeneration outcomes included an increase of £1.60 –£2.40 / sq. ft. rental value and the creation of 341 –527 additional net jobs.