The view from Sheffield

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/apr/05/view-from-sheffield-bella-qvist

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The daffodils are in full bloom on the green outside my house. They’ve resisted the foul weather that’s been bashing them about this past week and they are a very welcome addition to the neighbourhood, though recently I’ve been caught swearing about the litter strewn across the area. Empty crisp packets flying in the wind is not a good look.

How best to improve, or otherwise, the look of Sheffield has recently been absorbing the city’s residents. The city council approved the demolition of three independent shops at the heart of the bohemian Devonshire quarter in favour of a new development and locals are outraged. Twenty thousand signed the petition to stop the plans from going ahead – I was among them – and last week hundreds took to the streets to protest.

Jarvis Cocker said the shops are a “global treasure” and I couldn’t agree more. If further appeals fail, the book and music shop Rare & Racy and its neighbours will be sorely missed. I suspect that whoever moves into those new flats can expect a lukewarm reception.

Sheffield has been on a redevelopment course for a long time now. The city I first moved to, from my native Sweden in 2006 to study, is very much changed and although I miss certain aspects, I also think the facelift has done the city good in many ways.

Old shopping street the Moor has already been replaced in part by an indoor market, and a cinema complex is still to come. We’re getting our own China Town, an LGBT centre is being planned and the University of Sheffield is laying the finishing touches to the Diamond, a massive space-age development whose spoof account you can follow on Twitter. In a way, it’s good to see that effort is made to bring a bit of life to the city centre; I’d much prefer to shop there than join the zombie parade at shopping mall Meadowhell… I mean, Meadowhall.

Relish the Queen

Last week, Buzzfeed picked up on the fact that a photographer gained access to Sheffield’s old town hall, documenting the decaying interiors. The images of a dusty courtroom, caved-in ceilings and peeling walls are eerie but I think people are starting to see the potential of Sheffield’s time-worn buildings.

Not far from there, Sheffield Hallam University is taking over a long-term lease on the old post office building, creating “a prestigious new home for the arts”. Down the road from me, a 1920s picture house has become a popular pizzeria.

Old relics aside, the Queen came to visit. Some queued for hours and others moaned as much of the well-oiled machine that is Sheffield’s public transport system (ha!) was delayed when HM came to town for the Maundy service. The key debate, however, focused on the fact that Queen Liz wasn’t served Sheffield’s finest Henderson’s Relish (think Lea & Perrins… but better) with her pie lunch. To everyone’s great delight, someone arranged for the royal party to take a bottle home.

Running ahead

Another big talking point is the forthcoming Yorkshire half marathon. Runners are taking to the tracks with terror in their eyes as they realise they have left training too late. And yes, I’m one of them. The race was cancelled at the final moment last year when the water supplier didn’t turn up (yes, really). But in true Sheffield-style residents came out en masse to hand water to those determined to finish the race. This year, the event has a new organiser and the route has been changed too, heading out towards the Peak District instead of Meadowhall. Again, it seems that the powers that be are luring me away from that place. Some say this means we’re missing out on seeing “true” Sheffield, ie old industrial sites, but personally I think I’d prefer a scenic route when struggling along my mountainous 21km journey.

Speaking of scenery, this morning a litter-picking group is going ahead and my street has a Facebook thread discussing when to arrange a spring clean. Finally: down with the crisp packets. Much like the daffodils, the Sheffield community spirit is blossoming.