Sheffield Hallam University’s new world-class facilities officially opened by Lord Blunkett

20th October 2025

Sheffield Hallam University’s new flagship city campus development, which provides world-class teaching and research facilities across three new net-zero ready buildings, has been officially opened by Lord David Blunkett.

The buildings, Langsett, Redmires and Strines named after reservoirs around the city, provide new state-of-the-art homes for Sheffield Business School, Sheffield Institute of Social Sciences, Architecture and Sheffield Institute of Law and Justice. 

Situated on Howard Street, the development provides a new gateway to the city as well as a new public green space, Hallam Green, where up to 150 people can sit and relax among 400 square meters of planting, including 25 new trees.

Former Education Secretary Lord Blunkett officially opened the new development at an event attended by staff, students and local dignitaries on Thursday 16 October. There was also a performance by the Children’s University choir. 

Alongside Vice-Chancellor Professor Liz Mossop, Hallam Students’ Union President Molly Pemberton, and Chair of the University’s Board of Governors, Tim Smith, Lord Blunkett unveiled a commemorative plaque and spoke about the value of universities and their positive impact of Sheffield Hallam on the region.

Lord Blunkett said:

“It’s a pleasure and a privilege to officially open this remarkable new development. These buildings aren’t just an architectural achievement; they are a symbol of connection between learning and enterprise; between students and employers; between Sheffield Hallam and the wider South Yorkshire community.

“For decades, Sheffield Hallam has stood at the heart of South Yorkshire’s social and economic renewal - helping young people from all backgrounds access opportunity and shaping the workforce our region depends on. This development deepens that commitment and is a visible statement of our city’s confidence, ambition and creativity.

“Congratulations to everyone who has made this project a reality, the architects, planners, builders, and above all, the staff and students who will bring it to life.”

The buildings have been designed with modern study in mind with flexible learning spaces, social areas including two rooftop gardens, and places to eat and drink as well as sustainability features like heat pumps and solar panels.

Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Liz Mossop, said:

“We are delighted to be officially opening our outstanding new buildings. It’s wonderful to see our staff and students using these world-class facilities and spaces that provide a real heart for our city campus.

“The Howard Street development will be a huge asset for the University over many years to come, providing an outstanding offer for potential future students. The development also provides a fantastic new gateway for Sheffield, including spaces everyone can use and enjoy alongside our staff and students.”

Langsett, the largest of the three new buildings is the new home for Sheffield Business School. Students will be able to learn in modern teaching spaces including a trading floor and industry-standard Bloomberg software. There’s also a business engagement zone for meetings with clients and partners and spaces to support collaboration and entrepreneurship including a pop-up shop for startups.

Redmires is the new home for the University’s Sheffield Institute of Social Sciences, Architecture courses and Sheffield Institute of Law and Justice, which includes a new legal advice centre and moot court.

The third building, Strines, provides a home for the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (SYIoT), where the University offers high-quality technical education across multiple STEM subject areas. The dedicated SYIoT floor provides the latest equipment being used by industry including a cutting-edge immersive suite with AR and VR equipment to replicate real-world scenarios, plus interactive 3D graphics and audio, wearable sensors, drone technology, robotics and interactive studio space.  

Molly Pemberton, Hallam Students’ Union President, said:

“It is really exciting to see the opening of the highly anticipated new buildings, Langsett, Redmires and Strines, as well as Hallam Green - a fantastic addition to City Campus.

“With a range of new social and study spaces, catering outlets, state-of-the-art facilities, and a focus on sustainability, it is great to see the University investing in the future for our students.”

The development was delivered as part of collaborative ‘Hallam Alliance’ that includes the University, BDP ARUP (Design), BAM (Construction) and CBRE (Facilities Management). The first of its kind in the UK for a university building programme, the Alliance involves all design, construction and facilities management partners working collaboratively with the client through all stages of design, construction and operation.

The new buildings complement wider refurbishment and upgrades taking place across the University’s two campuses. Further investment is planned at Collegiate Campus, which remains home to thousands of students in the College of Health, Wellbeing and Lifesciences to provide high-quality facilities. This includes new simulated GP practices, mental health wards, art therapy studios and sport therapy treatment spaces.