Information from SAVE:
Sheffield’s historic buildings—once symbols of its global industrial power—are facing a new kind of threat: vacancy, neglect, and demolition. But a new wave of local action is gathering pace.
To celebrate the launch of the newly formed Sheffield Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) and the 50th anniversary of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, a free public event titled Forging Futures will take place on Saturday 12 July at the Power Lab at Kelham Island Museum. The event will showcase Sheffield’s rich architectural legacy and offer practical tools and inspiration for protecting it.
From disused workshops and decaying schools to historic chapels and civic landmarks, too many of Sheffield’s historic buildings remain empty and at risk. Forging Futures aims to galvanise local interest and involvement in saving these sites—offering guided walking tours, an exhibition, and a dynamic programme of talks from campaigners, architects, artists and community leaders.
Nicola Storey, a historic building surveyor and trustee of SHBT, said: “We’re so excited for the opportunity to collaborate with SAVE to celebrate the launch of SHBT, showcase what we have been working on so far and the benefits we hope to bring to Sheffield’s great heritage.”
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE AT RISK WALKING TOUR
The day begins with an Industrial Heritage at Risk Walking Tour (1–2:30pm) led by SHBT’s Craig Broadwith and historian Brian Holmshaw, visiting key buildings under threat around Kelham Island—including the Don Cutlery Works, Cornish Works and the Bower Spring cementation furnaces, recently stabilised in a major conservation project.
EXHIBITION
An exhibition (open from 1–5:45pm) in the Power Lab will map Sheffield’s heritage at risk and present findings from community workshops delivered with Roots and Futures. It will also include SAVE’s national stories of campaigning success, alongside practical resources like the ACT NOW! Tool Kit, a new step-by-step guide to taking local action for threatened buildings.
THE TALKS PROGRAMME: (3–5:45pm) brings together a powerful line-up of speakers.
Book tickets for talks:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/forging-futures-a-call-to-action-for-sheffields-heritage-talks-programme-tickets-1405530261849?aff=oddtdtcreator
SHBT trustees Alice Ullathorne & Gavin Richards on forming a building preservation trust in Sheffield;
- Liz Fuller of SAVE on Sheffield entries on the national Buildings at Risk register;
- Emily Pieters of Harmony Works Trust on restoring Canada House into a new home for music education;
- Louise Hutchinson of S1 Artspace on transforming a listed building for contemporary art;
- Lucy Newport & Christopher Hill on the repair of the Bower Spring furnace.
A short documentary, “Building a Movement”, will also be screened—highlighting SAVE’s landmark campaigns over the past five decades.
The day will close with informal evening drinks from 6:30pm at the Millowners Arms, welcoming supporters, speakers and attendees to celebrate the launch of SHBT.
All events are free/pay what you can and open to all, but advance booking is essential via Eventbrite.
Forging Futures is presented by SAVE Britain’s Heritage and Sheffield Historic Buildings Trust, with support from sponsors Urban Space Management, Castree and Buttress Architects.