Panel of design experts will help shape future of city

A panel of experts in the building, design and development sector will help shape the future of Sheffield and support the vast amount of development work taking place across the city as the Sheffield Design Panel relaunches in June this year.

The Panel, which is Chaired by David Rudlin, is made up of a group of experts from a range of built environment professions including sustainability, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture and development. Their background ranges from the public and private sectors, both locally and nationally.

Sheffield City Council is ambitious for high quality design that reflects the character of the city, enhancing Sheffield’s heritage and history while leading in modern, innovative and sustainable development.

The design panel will meet every six to eight weeks to consider upcoming large-scale schemes, before they’re considered by the planning committee, with a focus on details and quality issues. Feedback is then provided to the planning committee to support the process.

David Rudlin talks about the role of the Sheffield Design Panel

Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Executive Member for City Futures: Development, Culture and Regeneration, said: “The face of Sheffield is constantly changing and growing, and it’s important that throughout all of that growth we create the best places and spaces for our businesses and our people.

“The Sheffield Design Panel will assess projects and developments to ensure they complement, enhance and work to our city’s advantage. They are not here to inhibit or hinder progress, but to help shape ideas and plans for everyone’s benefit.

“The independent panel is made up of industry professionals from all relevant sectors, which means they can assess how a project will look, whether it’s sustainable and accessible, and whether it’s right for Sheffield.

“With so much development currently taking place, and planned for the future, this is a very exciting time for the city and the Sheffield Design Panel have a very significant role to play in shaping it’s transformation.”

The first meeting of the renewed panel will take place in June.

While the Sheffield Design Panel is made up of around 18 professionals it is looking to recruit more members to support the huge amount of development work happening in Sheffield.

The Panel hope to add 12 more experts with experience of working in the private or public sectors, representing local and national practices.

The opportunity will be advertised soon on the council website, social media and through University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam universities. Applicants should be able to commit to attending approximately 5 meetings a year and appointment will initially be for 3 years.

The decision to relaunch the panel was made during the Council's Cooperative Executive meeting in February - more details at Urban Design (sheffield.gov.uk).