Mixed views on 'regenerated' city centre street

Visitors to a regenerated street in Sheffield city centre have told the BBC they have mixed views on the scheme's success.

Three years of council-funded improvements to Fargate have now been completed.

The street has been repaved, new benches installed and "pocket parks" created.

While some shoppers thought the area's appearance had changed for the better, others questioned whether the money had been well-spent.

Criticism included that the project had taken too long to finish.

Jane Compton, 73, said it "looked nice", but the green spaces had already been spoiled by littering.

Another resident, Christine Sampson, expected the planters would become "rubbish heaps" if the problem wasn't addressed.

Emi Baker, 20, said the area was still "not comparable" to other parts of the city she preferred, such as Ecclesall Road.

Poppy Fletcher, also 20, added she would not specifically visit the street, as there were no shops she would use.

Councillor Ben Miskell from Sheffield City Council said: "I'm absolutely delighted to see our Fargate project complete and fully open for people to enjoy.

"Fargate has always played - and will continue to play - a vital role in our city, not just as a shopping destination but as a place where people meet, work, and enjoy time with friends and family.

"Many of us have fond memories of Fargate over the years, and this transformation gives it a new lease of life - securing its place at the heart of Sheffield for the future."

He said it would be used for upcoming events in the city, such as the World Food Market and Sheffield Food Festival.

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