Radisson Blu Hotel
HLM Architects blends modern design with Victorian heritage for the new Radisson Blu Hotel in Sheffield, featuring contemporary rooms, a rooftop Indian restaurant, and a focus on reflecting the city’s identity.
The new Radisson Blu Hotel is located in the heart of Sheffield, overlooking the Town Hall and the Peace Gardens, adding a stylish touch to the city. Its completion marks one of the final and crucial pieces in the Heart of the City masterplan. The development is within the City Centre Conservation Area, close to historically significant buildings and public spaces – Peace Gardens, Barkers Pool and the Town Hall (Grade I Listed) and the City Hall (Grade II* Listed).
The hotel is a unique yet sensitive addition that blends new architecture with the historic fabric of the city. Behind the Victorian façade are 154 contemporary rooms, a rooftop speakeasy-style Indian restaurant and bar, flexible meeting and event spaces with an outdoor terrace, and a fully equipped fitness centre.
Preserving Sheffield’s Victorian heritage was integral to the development. The retention of historic facades and the use of complementary materials and colours ensure the new development reflects the city’s strong identity. In conceptualising this landmark hotel, we aimed to highlight what makes Sheffield special. Known as the Steel City and nestled on the edge of the Peak District, the city’s contrasting elements are embodied in the design. We combined aspects of Sheffield’s past and present to create an abstract celebration of the city.
The interiors have been thoughtfully designed to reflect the location, focusing on texture, color, and pattern. Detailing presents a juxtaposition between the soft heathers of the local moorland and steel elements from the city’s industrial heritage. Visitors are invited to gaze at the feature ceilings, which replicate the forms of the reservoirs surrounding the city.
Bold and vibrant rug patterns depict the topography of the Peak District, complementing a collection of sophisticated furniture. Steel structures, representing the city’s industrial roots, form the basis of the fitted furniture, while the blend of materials like timber, mirror, and stone reflects the diversity of Sheffield today.
The key focus was to remain true to the Radisson brand standards, including guestroom typology design, space planning, and performance specifications, while designing a hotel that unmistakably represents Sheffield.
Design: HLM Architects
Contractor: McLaughlin & Harvey
Photography: Lisa Daniels
