Client
Urban Splash
Value
£1.5M
Sectors & Services
Buildings Repairs & Refurbishment Heritage & Listed Concrete Repair Coatings Structural Strengthening Cleaning & Preparation Projects
Park Hill is an iconic housing estate in Sheffield, constructed between 1957 and 1961 and granted Grade II listed status in 1998, making it the largest listed building in Europe. Renowned for its brutalist architecture and pioneering “streets in the sky” concept, the estate has become a cultural landmark, regularly featuring in film and television.
As part of a major regeneration scheme led by Urban Splash, CRL was appointed to undertake concrete repairs and protective coatings to the historic structure. The works were required to address widespread deterioration while preserving the architectural character and ensuring the long-term future of this nationally significant asset.
Services undertaken
- Heritage-sensitive concrete repairs to external elements
- Development of bespoke repair methodologies and finishes
- Scaffold and MEWP access design and installation
- Extensive concrete repairs to link bridges and bearing shelves
- Temporary propping and structural sequencing works
- Strengthening of reinforced concrete columns
- Installation of dowelled reinforcement and over-cladding works
- Application of mineral concrete protective coatings
- Coordination with architects, planners, and heritage bodies
- Implementation of Covid-19 safe working practices
CRL delivered the works with a strong emphasis on heritage sensitivity, technical quality, and collaboration. Working closely with the project architects, Sheffield City planners, and Historic England, CRL developed a repair approach that respected the original construction while clearly expressing the building’s history. Particular care was taken to retain defining features such as the original board-marked concrete finishes, ensuring that repairs were sympathetic rather than concealed.
Over 13,000 individual concrete repairs were completed across the external structure. Each repair was undertaken to a high standard before the application of a mineral concrete coating, selected to provide durable protection while maintaining breathability and visual consistency with the existing fabric. The works were delivered over nearly two years in line with the client’s programme requirements.
Access to the building was primarily achieved using full scaffold to the main elevations, while Mobile Elevating Work Platforms were employed to the link bridges. This approach allowed other trades to maintain access and minimised disruption to the wider regeneration works. The high-level link bridges required extensive intervention due to water ingress through original asphalt coverings and failed expansion joints, which had caused deterioration to bearing shelves and primary beams. Temporary propping was installed down to ground level to facilitate safe repairs, with works carried out in a carefully sequenced “hit and miss” pattern developed by CRL in conjunction with the Structural Engineer to maintain stability and avoid unnecessary additional propping.
Further complexity arose where floor sections were removed to create a new open lobby space. This required strengthening of the supporting columns. Following consideration of alternative solutions, CRL strengthened the columns by over-cladding with reinforced concrete, dowelled into the existing structure to achieve compatibility and a visually consistent, exposed finish.
The programme was delivered through the Covid-19 pandemic, requiring significant adaptation to working practices. CRL implemented strict protocols from the outset, enabling works to continue safely and helping the client to minimise downtime.
“CRL demonstrated exceptional professionalism and technical expertise throughout the Park Hill project, delivering high-quality repairs that respected the building’s heritage while meeting the demands of a complex regeneration scheme. Their collaborative approach and ability to maintain programme momentum, even under challenging conditions, made them a trusted and valued partner.”
The Park Hill project highlights CRL’s ability to deliver complex concrete repairs within a demanding heritage and regeneration context. Through careful planning, collaborative working, and skilled workmanship, CRL successfully balanced conservation requirements with modern performance expectations.
The extensive repair programme, combined with the application of mineral protective coatings, has enhanced durability, reduced future maintenance demands, and safeguarded the structure against further deterioration. Innovative sequencing and strengthening solutions ensured operational continuity and structural resilience throughout the works.
By supporting the wider regeneration objectives and maintaining progress during the pandemic, CRL added lasting value to this landmark scheme, ensuring Park Hill can continue to serve as a resilient and celebrated part of Sheffield’s built environment.
