Why I am glad that Sheffield’s Park Hill was saved from destruction - Toni Anne Dunleavy

Not only is it an irreplaceable fixture of the city’s skyline and an impressive example of new brutalism architecture, thanks to the efforts of those who have been involved in its redevelopment it is also, once again, home to a thriving community of permanent residents, students and local businesses. One of which is Nest.

As a Sheffield-based luxury furniture and homewares retailer that focuses on sustainability the very concept of something built to last, that is visually pleasing, thought provoking, and that holds a special place in the hearts of the people that own it and use it, Park Hill perfectly aligns to our own ethos.

And so, when the opportunity arose for us to purchase the old Scottish Queen public house in 2021, and to create a new, 3,500 sq. ft flagship showroom, which officially opened earlier this year, we jumped at it.

However, while the arrival of Nest at Park Hill has been widely welcomed, it would be remiss of us to slide over the fact that it has also sparked some debate around the juxtaposition of a luxury design store, being located within one of the country’s most iconic former council housing estates.

That’s an important and inevitably emotive topic. And it’s right that the continued redevelopment of Park Hill should come under scrutiny to ensure that it evolves into a community that is reflective of its roots – inclusive, friendly, diverse and aspirational.

At Nest, those things matter too. For us, our new HQ offers us so much more than an aesthetically pleasing place to do business. As a local employer, a loyal resident and stoic supporter of Sheffield, and a champion of South Yorkshire international trade, we also chose Park Hill because of its history, and what that represents.

Indeed, one of the reasons we were so attracted to the site was its proximity to the train station and the possibility of enticing interior designers, architects and contractors away from their regular big city haunts in a bid to fuel the local economy and to give back to the local community.

We didn’t want to abandon our roots and go to them in London, we wanted them to come to us and in doing so also see what Sheffield has to offer.

Likewise, we’re also very proud to regularly welcome local residents through the door to peruse our latest furniture and homewares offering and chances are if you visit one of the businesses located nearby you’ll find yourself sitting on a classic Vitra Eames Side chair.

It really is a special place. And where the people who worked, lived and played here before – including my paternal grandfather who worked on the original Park Hill building site, and my maternal grandmother who opened a hair salon within the Park Hill complex - played an important part in the development’s history, I am very proud that Nest is helping safeguard its future.

Toni Anne Dunleavy is the managing director at Nest.co.uk.