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. The workshops have been saved from dereliction as part of a £7m regeneration project, with some funding from English Heritage and the European Regional Development Agency. William Anelay were pleased to be 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 was 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, took place. The refurbishment incorporated brickwork repairs and extensive re-pointing works as well as the re-building of 6 chimneystacks back to their original height.

Whilst the main crucible smelting workshop was not occupied throughout the construction phase, neighbouring workshops and buildings remained in use.

This phase of work was completed in late spring 2010.