Castlegate Pavilion

Year | 2024

Location | Castlegate, Sheffield

Client | Arts Catalyst on behalf of the Castlegate Partnership and Sheffield City Council

From temporary structures to a lasting community space, this project envisions a pavilion that supports art, ecology, heritage and inclusivity while embodying the rich culture and spirit of Sheffield.

The Castlegate Pavilion, envisioned by Arts Catalyst in collaboration with Sheffield Live Projects, is poised to become a central, flexible hub in the upcoming Castle Park, which is set to open by 2026.

Designed as an adaptable and welcoming space, the pavilion will host community gatherings, artistic events, and inclusive activities that celebrate the diversity and cultural richness of Sheffield.

Historically, Castlegate was once the vibrant heart of the city, home to the historic castle and bustling Castle Market that shaped Sheffield’s identity. However, in recent years, the area has lost its central role in the community.

The Castlegate Pavilion aims to restore these vital connections and re-establish the area as a cultural and social hub. By creating a space for new relationships and shared experiences, the pavilion will serve as a catalyst for community engagement and positive change.

The pavilion’s design embraces flexibility, making it a space that can evolve with the needs of Sheffield’s diverse communities. It will function as a dynamic venue for dialogue, learning, and collaboration. The vision for the pavilion includes both temporary installations and a permanent structure, with the possibility of modular designs that can be adapted and expanded over time. This approach allows the pavilion to respond to the changing needs of its users, ensuring it remains relevant and accessible for years to come.

Community groups, artists, and individuals will have opportunities to actively engage with the pavilion, whether by collaborating on projects, using the space for events, or contributing to its ongoing development. This participatory design process will ensure that the pavilion grows and transforms in response to the input of its users.

As part of the design process, the project team studied the history and cultural significance of the Castlegate area. This research has informed a design that both honours the past and looks forward to a vibrant future for the space.

The Castlegate Pavilion is more than just a building; it is a space for connection, creativity, and community resilience, bridging Sheffield’s rich history with its exciting future. Through this project, we aim to foster an inclusive, welcoming environment where people of all backgrounds can come together and share in the spirit of innovation and collaboration.

Credits

Student Team: 

Laura Dew, Yu Xuan Tey, George Hadley, Matthew Hong Yi Wong, Rawan Fergani, William McKinney, Florence Pond, Emma Willis, Jasmine Liu, Xinyu Wei

Mentor:

Sam Brown