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Lower Don Valley facts for kids

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Wincobank - Don Valley from Fort
View of the Don Valley from Wincobank Fort

The Lower Don Valley is a key part of Sheffield, England. It's mostly an industrial area in the north-east of the city. You can find it along the River Don. This area includes places like Attercliffe, Brightside, Darnall, Tinsley, and Wincobank. It was once known as the East End of Sheffield.

History of the Lower Don Valley

The Lower Don Valley became very important for Sheffield's steel industry. This happened during the 1800s and 1900s. Huge factories employed many people. However, the way steel was made started to change. By the 1970s and 1980s, steel production became more automated. This meant fewer large factories and fewer jobs. As a result, many parts of the valley became empty and run-down.

Bringing the Valley Back to Life

To fix this, the Sheffield Development Corporation was given a big job. Their task was to redevelop the area. They aimed to bring new life and businesses to the valley. This project helped transform the empty industrial sites.

Modern Developments and Fun Places

Today, the Lower Don Valley is home to many new and exciting places. These developments have made the area a popular spot for shopping, entertainment, and sports.

Shopping and Entertainment

One of the biggest changes was the building of Meadowhall shopping centre. It's a huge mall with many shops and restaurants. You can also find Valley Centertainment here. This place offers fun activities like a cinema and bowling. The Sheffield Arena is also in the valley. It hosts concerts, shows, and sporting events.

Sports and Recreation

The Lower Don Valley has one of the highest numbers of sports facilities in the UK. The Olympic Legacy Park is a major part of this. It includes iceSheffield, where you can skate. It also has the English Institute of Sport - Sheffield. This is a top training center for athletes. For outdoor fun, there's the Five Weirs Walk. This public path runs along the River Don from the city center. The Sheffield Supertram also makes it easy to get around the area.

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