Kelham Riverside

A Tale of Two Cities – New Life for Kelham Island

AN HISTORIC photograph that depicts workers on Kelham Island in the height of Sheffield's industrial past using a rather unusual mode of transport gives a real insight into what working life was once like in the city - as well as a providing a stark contrast to what this once neglected area is set to become.

Kelham Island will soon be home to Kelham Riverside, a multi-million pound development from the same team that created the award-winning refurbishment of Cornish Place. The development will breathe new life into this part of the city creating a stunning urban village in the heart of one of the Sheffield's most historic conservation areas.

The mixed-use development by world property leaders, The Raven Group links the listed Cornish Place apartments through to Kelham Island Industrial museum. Built and finished to a high specification the 1 & 2 bedroom apartments will provide modern, open plan living spaces. Some apartments will boast picturesque waterside views overlooking the mill race and in due course this stretch of waterway will be completely cleaned up providing an important ecological waterway.

Designed by renowned architects Axis, the modern apartments will pay homage to the Islands important industrial heritage, featuring details such as a saw tooth roofscape, which reflects the original workshops in the locality. A large urban square will centralise the community and will be surrounded by a range of bars, restaurants and convenience shopping.

Kelham Island is over 900 years old. The water course which creates the island, was built in the 1100's. Known as a mill race or goit, it was originally built to divert water from the Don to drive the waterwheel for the town's corn mill. The original stone supports for the waterwheel can still be viewed in the mill race near to Kelham Island Museum which lies in the heart of the development.

Clive Wilding of Raven Properties says: “Kelham Island was once a very important part of Sheffield industry. In creating Kelham Riverside we aim to regenerate this part of the city into a sustainable waterside community that reflects the island's industrial history and offers discerning buyers a luxury city living lifestyle. Construction is already well underway on the development, however unlike the previous workforce on the Island we won't be using any elephants to help get the job done!"

Linda Crapper, of Estate Agents, Saxton Mee New Homes said: "Once complete Kelham Riverside will offer its residents an unrivalled urban lifestyle in tranquil and stunning surroundings with all the amenities and conveniences of the city close to hand. Kelham Riverside really does offer the best in contemporary living and interest in the development is already exceeding expectations with almost 50 apartments sold off-plan."

Kelham Riverside will be holding an exclusive launch party on 23 November 2006 at Kelham Island Museum from 6pm. This red hot launch will reveal how the development will look once complete and be packed full of fun with live entertainment and performances. There'll also be some one-off purchase deals to be had. For more information or to confirm your place at the hottest event of the year call 01226 732100.

Apartments will range from £125,000 to £165,000. For all enquiries contact Saxton Mee on 0114 2494909.

Media Contact: Paula Toole at Ledgard Jepson on 01226 732100 or paula@ledgardjepson.com