Leopold Square facts for kids
Leopold Square is a lively area in the West End of Sheffield, England. It's a place where old buildings meet new designs. You can find it where Leopold Street and West Street cross.
This special area was created by Ask Developments and Gleeson's, with help from local architects AXIS Architecture. They took the old Sheffield Central Technical School buildings, which were built a long time ago between 1870 and 1894, and gave them a new life. These historic buildings now hold apartments, cool bars, tasty restaurants, and even a hotel!
A brand new, modern building was also added to the square. It has a unique angular shape and is home to more bars and restaurants. The whole project also created a fresh, open public square for everyone to enjoy. Work on these old buildings started in 2004. Before that, they were used as offices for the local council after the school closed down.
People living and working in Sheffield voted Leopold Square as the city's best new building! It won the "People's Award" at the Sheffield Design Awards in 2011. This award celebrates great design every two years. The project also helped create 200 new jobs in the city.
Leopold Street, where the square is located, is named after Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany. He was the youngest son of Queen Victoria. Prince Leopold officially opened Firth College on this street way back in 1879.
What is Leopold Square?
Leopold Square is a modern space built around historic buildings. It's a "mixed-use development," which means it has different types of places all in one area. You can find homes, shops, and entertainment venues all together.
The Public Square
The main public square is a central part of Leopold Square. It's surrounded by the original school buildings, which are now listed as Grade II historic sites. These old buildings are joined by the new, modern building that faces West Street.
This area is home to eight different bars and restaurants. There's also a four-star hotel. The square often hosts live music events, making it a fun place to visit.
The square has a cool water feature that lights up at night. It's also lined with trees, providing shade and a nice atmosphere. Special benches made by an artist from bronze are placed under the trees. These offer comfortable spots to relax and enjoy the square. The new angular building is built using local stone and real bronze, giving it a unique look.
Residential Courtyard
On the western side of Leopold Square, some of the smaller old school buildings have been turned into apartments. These apartments are built around a private courtyard, offering a quiet space for residents.
The apartments themselves are quite unique. Many have very high ceilings, giving them a spacious feel. They also keep some of the original features from the old school buildings. The entrance to the Holly Building on Holly Street is especially interesting. It has a beautifully decorated wooden entrance hall.
