Crucible Workshops, Sheffield

These early nineteenth century crucible workshops were once the biggest crucible works in the world propelling Sheffield to global dominance in the steel industry. Now it is the last surviving workshop of its kind and is being saved from dereliction as part of a £7m regeneration project, with some funding from English Heritage and the European Regional Development Agency. William Anelay is pleased to have been appointed principal contractor to carry out external fabric repairs to this Victorian Grade I listed building.

At the commencement of the project the workshops, comprising of three buildings, were in a very poor state of repair and so the main aim of the contract is to make the structures safe and watertight. Prior to the fitting of a new Welsh slate roof and traditional rainwater goods, extensive timber repairs to the existing roof structure including structural repairs and conservation to the original timber trusses, will take place. Brickwork repairs and extensive re-pointing works are required as well as the re-building of 6 chimneystacks that will be constructed to their original height.

Whilst the main crucible smelting workshop is not occupied throughout the construction phase, the other buildings that make up the workshops are been used as storage units. They are also situated in close proximity to a live engineering plant and therefore care is being taken to minimise disruption to other site users.

This phase of work, which is expected to be completed in late spring 2010, will not only help to preserve an important part of our industrial heritage but is also expected to provide a firm foundation for future economic growth in South Yorkshire.