Sheffield architects' winning design for Dronfield development set to take shape

TAD architects in Sheffield won an open competition with their imaginative housing design for the old Manor Farm site.

With planning approval, there will be six one and two-bedroomed apartments in existing buildings and four family-sized homes on land close by.

Rykneld Homes is working in partnership with North East Derbyshire District Council to deliver the project.

Council leader Graham Baxter said: “The key strategic approach to this project is to create a high quality scheme of housing for open market sale, to provide a significant financial surplus to support the Council and Rykneld’s ongoing investment programme in new and refurbished publicly owned homes. The project will directly support housing for rent in Dronfield.”

He added: “Set in the historic heart of Dronfield, this is a gem of a site which deserves an innovative and inventive solution to bring more homes into the area. We think this is a fantastic opportunity to create something special and demonstrate how we can transform part of our past to create something new and relevant to the needs of residents and the town.

“Our concept is for a development that consolidates Dronfield town centre as an attractive and vibrant place to live and work, which protects and enhances its heritage and showcases the very best that can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together.”

Each of the new homes will have contemporary features such as semi-open dining, large kitchens, south facing gardens and real open fires.

Niall Clark, director of property services and development at Rykneld Homes, said: “Rykneld Homes is keen to explore all opportunities to build more homes in our district. As well as providing more social housing, we are also diversifying and this year will start to build homes for shared ownership and for sale in the private sector.

“Our close partnership with North East Derbyshire District Council is key to our success. The partnership seeks to work with other providers to explore new and emerging funding sources and land availability”

TAD’s Director for Housing, David Rayworth said: “We are looking forward to using our experience and expertise working with Rykneld Homes and North East Derbyshire District Council to develop this exciting scheme, bringing these buildings back into use and creating a place within the heart of Dronfield that the local community can be proud of.”