I have lived in Sheffield, UK for over forty years and have seen many changes, the greatest being the demise of the steel and coal industry in the 1980s and 1990s. Sheffield is now a modern, diverse, thriving city, yet is still in a state of flux.



This book is an eclectic mix of photographs taken between April and June 2011, representing the distinct character of each area of the Gold Route, as well as common themes running throughout. The Gold Route is an 800 metre linked series of public spaces from Sheaf Square to Devonshire Green. The entire corridor has a cohesive commitment to contemporary craftsmanship in the handling of natural stone, metals, water and lighting and is also dispersed throughout with public art, symbolizing Sheffield’s steel making history.



The Gold Route begins at the railway station, an open and inviting area with a dominant steel sculpture channelling visitors up towards Howard Street. This area is now pedestrianised with a pathway of trees leading to the Hallam Garden and The Millenium Gallery, an outstanding venue for the visual arts, craft and design. The gallery has an internal ‘avenue’ which leads from the entrance of the gallery into the Winter Garden, Millenium Square, Peace Gardens, Tudor Square and

the Crucible Theatre.



Barkers Pool is the next pedestrian area on the Gold Route with trees and fountains in the foreground of the magnificent City Hall. Walking past the City Hall west on Division Street flanked by an array of shops, restaurants, bars and contemporary residential buildings you quickly arrive at Devonshire Green. This is the largest public park in Sheffield City Centre and includes a skate park.