Sheffield Forgemasters has lodged full planning application to Sheffield City Council to construct a 144,000ft
2 building at its site on Brightside Lane to house a new 13,000-tonne forging press capable of pressing very large ingots. Alongside the new forge, the development would include offices and a water pumping station.
A target date of 2025 has been set for the completion of works and the new forge press to be in operation. A planning statement submitted as part of the application said: “The proposed development represents the first stage in a significant investment for Sheffield Forgemasters.”
This latest investment will safeguard the future of Sheffield Forgemasters and secure over 600 skilled jobs, including 100 graduates and 60 apprentices, while laying the foundation for future investment to allow further modernisation of Sheffield Forgemasters’ facilities.
The benefits of the proposed development are considered to be significant for the economy of Sheffield and given the company’s position at the forefront of the steel industry in the UK, these benefits will be important to the national economy.
Sheffield Forgemasters was acquired by the Ministry of Defence last year. Two enabling developments have previously been approved covering temporary construction site access as well as the partial demolition of the existing forge building and erection of new heat shield walls.