Story: Rohan Francis & Ivor Wallace | Photos: Ivor Wallace
Page Hall Community Association was formed in 2005 when a group of residents came together to fight the Council’s plan to knock down their homes. Since then they have seized the opportunity to do positive things for the area.
“Demolition is History. What’s happening now is really good,” the group’s chair Ivor Wallace told us.
Page Hall success
In 2007 Page Hall’s terraces were decorated with an array of hanging baskets. In a joint effort with Green City Action, Street Force and the Burngreave Area Panel, Page Hall residents aimed to work the same magic that brought them success in Britain In Bloom and Sheffield In Bloom in 2006. The street's colourful floral decorations made such an impact that not only did they win a Merit in Britain In Bloom they were also joint winners of this year's Environment Community Award, the fifth such award for this community. On receiving the award from the Lord Mayor on 3rd December 2007, Ivor Wallace said,
“I feel proud of Page Hall that our efforts are appreciated; our members give up their free time to get involved and raise the profile of Page Hall.”
Following the success of their environmental achievements Page Hall Community Association, residents, local college students and Community Forester Tim Shortland, planted several new trees in the area. The tree species were carefully selected in order to minimise root damage and shade to properties whilst offering the benefits of spring blossom and autumn colour in the form of small bright berries.
The area has also seen improvements to street lighting on Hinde Street and Willoughby Street. The positive developments continue with the recent arrival of a glass recycling bin on Popple Street and a plan to inform residents of domestic recycling opportunities using their blue bins.
On Wade Street this Spring
Wade Street Green Space is a new project to renovate a triangle of land at the end of Wade Street and bordering the Wensley estate and Owler Brook School. Residents have been involved in consultation events with the East Regeneration Team and the Council’s architects to come up with a new layout for the site. The plans include the planting of 7 new trees, demolishing an existing wall to open up the area bordering the school and installing new lighting, seating and bollards.
Plans for the future
Page Hall’s Victorian terraces have withstood the threat of complete demolition under the original ‘Masterplan’ for the area. They are now destined to stand for a great deal longer as the victorious residents have steered regeneration plans towards supporting the creation of a sustainable community. The buildings themselves have been the focus of a national competition in which architects were challenged to come up with affordable renovation schemes that would improve the home’s quality, energy efficiency and layout. The winning designs will be used to renew five empty properties in Page Hall which will then be opened for the public to view.
The Council also plans to introduce a ‘Homezone’ to the area which is designed to improve the streets for residents, by making alterations to the road layout, pavements and parking arrangements.
Page Hall Community Association and the Council have developed ideas for a new layout of Wade Street, where work is expected to begin sometime after April. Page Hall Community Association and the East Regeneration Team hope to continue their collaboration in the future and will be seeking funding for Page Hall projects over the next three years. Plans are already in place for the area to enter Yorkshire In Bloom 2008.
If you’d like to get involved in the group contact: Ivor Wallace, Page Hall Community Association on 0114 242 0205.
