People love to point out how Sheffield’s not what it used to be, or to mourn the venues and landmarks which have been lost over the years, from the Hole in the Road to Sheffield Ski Village.
But with the city centre’s transformation finally taking shape, there’s a refreshing sense of optimism about Sheffield today and what the future holds.
We’re taking a look at some of the things you can do now that you couldn’t do in Sheffield back in the 80s.
Some are new additions to the city, while others have been around since the 1990s.
What do you think is the best thing to have happened to Sheffield in recent years?
We’re taking a look at some of the things you can do now that you couldn’t do in Sheffield back in the 80s.
![The Winter Garden in Sheffield city centre is the perfect place to escape from the stresses of daily life. It was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in May 2003.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/18/11/34/onecms_688da042-05b2-4b64-8dc8-04adb91042d4.JPG.jpg?trim=0,0,0,172&crop=&width=800)
5. Explore the oasis at Sheffield's Winter Garden
The Winter Garden in Sheffield city centre is the perfect place to escape from the stresses of daily life. It was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in May 2003. | National WorldPhoto: Brian Eyre
![Sheffield used to have a vast tram network but the last of the old trams stopped running in 1960. It would be another three decades before trams returned to the city with the launch of the Supertram network in 1994. Among the destinations served is Crystal Peaks shopping centre, which opened in 1988. In 2018, the network was extended with the launch of tram trains to Rotherham, and in 2024, trams were taken back under public control.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/18/11/29/onecms_277db00c-d24f-4b8a-be22-1c67f43626d0.jpg.jpg?trim=0,0,0,0&crop=&width=800)
6. Catch a tram to Crystal Peaks
Sheffield used to have a vast tram network but the last of the old trams stopped running in 1960. It would be another three decades before trams returned to the city with the launch of the Supertram network in 1994. Among the destinations served is Crystal Peaks shopping centre, which opened in 1988. In 2018, the network was extended with the launch of tram trains to Rotherham, and in 2024, trams were taken back under public control. | National WorldPhoto: National World
7. Dine out at Europe's largest purpose-built food hall
Sheffield's flourishing food and drink scene received a major boost when Cambridge Street Collective opened in Sheffield city centre in May 2024. With 20 food and drink vendors across the cavernous 20,000 sq ft space, it claims to be Europe's largest purpose-built food hall. It has been a big hit so far. | National WorldPhoto: National World
![Sheffield Arena opened in 1991, having been built to host the World Student Games. The 13,600-capacity venue has hosted some unforgettable gigs over the years, including what would be Tina Turner's last ever concert in May 2009. It's also home to Sheffield Steelers and is where the BBC show Gladiators is filmed. Pictured are fans watching Take That perform there in May 2006.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/06/18/12/47/onecms_2e25ad5e-bae2-4aab-b3e2-9c419766f19e.JPG.jpg?trim=0,0,0,128&crop=&width=800)
8. Watch a gig at Sheffield Arena
Sheffield Arena opened in 1991, having been built to host the World Student Games. The 13,600-capacity venue has hosted some unforgettable gigs over the years, including what would be Tina Turner's last ever concert in May 2009. It's also home to Sheffield Steelers and is where the BBC show Gladiators is filmed. Pictured are fans watching Take That perform there in May 2006. | National WorldPhoto: Gerard Binks