Residents in Sheffield Hallam have united with their MP, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, to demand action is taken to improve the appearance of the former Hallam Tower hotel. The Broomhill commercial property has lain empty since 2004 and, as a result, has attracted an element of anti-social behaviour which is a cause for concern for nearby homeowners.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg MP
Previously, Sheffield Council contacted the current owners regarding complaints over the building’s appearance and structural safety. However, Mr Clegg does not believe that work currently being carried out will fully address the long term issues facing the property, and as a result is urging the council to take further action on the matter.
Mr Clegg says; “While the short term fix is welcome, Sheffield shouldn’t have to put up with this blot on the landscape for any longer.
“The decaying and vandalised building can be seen for miles around, including in areas I represent like Fulwood, Crookes and Greystones.
“It causes untold misery for nearby residents.”
Many of the problems attributed to the commercial property could certainly be put down to the financial crisis. Like most sectors of business, the leisure industry has been hit by consumers cutting back on luxuries such as mini-breaks and nights in hotels. This has meant that many independent hoteliers have been forced to shut up shop and move on – however, selling these properties on has become almost as difficult as running them.
As a result, a large number of these commercial properties have been abandoned, as is presumably the case with Hallam Tower.
At present, Sheffield City Council has no intention of further involving itself in the case. However, this could change if the construction work currently being carried out is deemed unsatisfactory.
A spokesman for the council said; “We have no further news on the future use or the development of the Hallam Tower building.
“Work on the building being carried out is as a result of the threat of formal planning enforcement action and the service of a notice under the Building Act.
“We understand good progress is being made.”
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