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Biomass power station on Tinsley Towers site wins design award

Blackburn Meadows power station on the former Tinsley Towers site was recognised with Best Building Award at Sheffield Design Awards. The EON biomass power station became fully operational in 2014. The new renewable energy plant produces enough power for around 40,000 homes using recycled wood as its fuel source. It is also combined heat and power ready with the potential to provide residual heating for surrounding businesses. The first power station on the site was built in 1921 by the Sheffield Corporation and its iconic cooling towers were a prominent part of the landscape until the last of these were demolished in 2008. At nearly 40 metres high, the new buildings alongside the A1 are a significant addition to the Don Valley landscape. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke with plant manager Luke Ellis from EON and architect Stephen Marshall.

Sheffield shop owners plan for city to come ‘alive after five’

Shops and stalls in Sheffield city centre will be open late on Thursday night as part of the recently launched ‘alive after five’ campaign. The evening opening aims to boost footfall in the quiet period after work and before the night time economy takes off. The campaign, now in its third week, was launched by the Business Improvement District. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to BID Manager Diane Jarvis.

Roundabout opens refurbished flats for young people

The Sheffield homelessness charity, Roundabout, have opened their ‘Number 11’ refurbished flats at the charities hostel on St Barnabas Road. The ribbon was cut by Sheffield Lord Mayor, Councillor Denis Fox together with a young resident of the flats. Number 11 consists of five self-contained flats with eight bedrooms, next door to the main hostel. The charity provides emergency and medium-stay accommodation for homeless single young people, aged 16 to 21. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Scott Clark, hostel team leader at Roundabout.

City’s ‘Grey to Green’ project recognised at Sheffield Design Awards

Sheffield City Council’s ‘Grey to Green’ project is replacing areas of city centre pavement with rain gardens designed to assist natural and sustainable drainage. The scheme was awarded both the Outstanding Project Award and the Open Spaces Award at this year’s Sheffield Design Awards. The main purpose of the awards is to recognise buildings and open spaces that meet high architectural standards and contribute to the environment. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Lucia Lorente, principal development officer at Sheffield City Council.

Sheffield homeless living in ‘Tent City’

A group of homeless people in Sheffield have set up camp on a patch of land in front of Park Hill flats. Dubbed ‘Sheffield Tent City’, the camp holds around a dozen tents providing shelter and access to food and provisions. The camp was organised by homelessness campaigner Anthony Cunningham to give rough sleepers somewhere to go and for charities and services to find people who need their help. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Sheffield Moor Market traders bare all for new charity calendar

Market stall owners from Sheffield Moor Market have created a risqué fundraising calendar posing with some of their products and very little else. Inspired by the Calendar Girls story, all the money raised will go to local autism charity, Buzz Sheffield. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to some of the brave calendar stars together with organiser Helen Payne.

Artists and campaigners join to make art to change the world

Artists, activists and campaigners shared their ideas and tools at the Sheffield Institute of Arts in the Old Post Office for the workshop ‘Art Possibility Action’. The event aimed to bring together those who want to change the world with their art, and those who want to find out how art can help in effective political action. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Sharrow Autumn Carnival offers alternative celebration

Community workers in Sharrow have been determined to offer creative opportunities for local teens after anti-social bonfire night scenes in recent years. Last year local youths in Sharrow threw rocks and fireworks at passing cars and eleven arrests were made. The Autumn Carnival at Highfield Adventure Playground featured local music, food and crafts. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Lib Dems appeal for natural flood defences in Sheffield

The Liberal Democrats have criticised the governments National Flood Resilience Review and called for more natural measures to prevent flooding. Former Lib Dem leader and Hallamshire MP Nick Clegg called on Sheffield Council to review Sheffield’s flood defence system including risks to areas in Rivelin Valley and Gillyfield Wood in Totley. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Sheffield City Council.

Tree campaigners arrested in Nether Edge

Two tree campaigners arrested on Wednesday in Nether Edge were released without charge after seven hours in police custody. The members of Save Nether Edge Trees were engaged in peaceful protest against the felling of a tree on Marden Road in Nether Edge when the arrests were made. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to tree campaigner Calvin Payne.