English Heritage steps in with £300,000 to help restore unique crucible workshop

The Darnall crucible works is the only one of its type to survive in the world, but in the late 1800s would have been one of many in the Lower Don Valley, which was the centre of Britain's steel industry.

As a scheduled monument, the building escaped demolition, despite falling out of use in the late 20th century, and it stands on a site owned by Sheffield businessman Andrew Dunigan.

Mr Dunigan has pledged to meet the remainder of the 500,000 project costs, which will provide the Grade II* listed building with a new slate roof and restored brickworks.

Plans for the building also include the rebuilding of four 30ft chimney stacks to their original height, the replacement of rotten roof beams and work on a series of outbuildings.

It is hoped that repairs will be complete by April and that the buildings will then be put to new uses, including as warehouse space.

The project will be overseen by Giles Proctor, English Heritage's historic buildings architect. He said: "For years we have been working with partners to find a solution and revive the building's fortunes. Now we have real progress, with the scaffolding going up and repairs under way.

"That will ensure that a national historic treasure remains a Sheffield landmark, playing a part in the city's commercial future as well as being a link with the past."

The Darnall crucible works was one of the sites featured in the English Heritage publication One Great Workshop (2001), which highlighted the potential of metal trade buildings in Sheffield to contribute to the city's regeneration.