The History:
I tried to piece together bits of info I found online, with peoples accounts from working there.
Spartan Works formerly "Spartan Steel Alloys", was first known as "Shipman's" before it was taken over by a group of Americans. Steel was produced at Spartan's in Birmingham and brought to Sheffield to be rolled. In 1984 it was bought out by 3 of the upper management and the workforce cut by about 20%, by 1999 Firth Rixson bought the order book and moved the works to Ecclesfield.
Current Situation:
The whole block where Spartan Works resides is set to be redeveloped as part of a wider scheme to renovate parts of the city.
Most of the buildings are set to be demolished with 6 of them planned to be saved and reused.
- Article
- Developer Statement
The Explore:
This was my second visit after I discovered the area was being worked on. Since my first look was an adrenaline fuelled dash in the darkness, I wanted to come back and try to capture some snaps.
I only looked around the offices this time as there was work actively taking place in the courtyard and hangers. But I recall there being many cool details scattered around other parts of the site.
Once inside you're instantly transported back in time and although most of the rooms are pretty empty, the dated décor and few remaining details do more than enough to make up for it.
I tried to piece together bits of info I found online, with peoples accounts from working there.
Spartan Works formerly "Spartan Steel Alloys", was first known as "Shipman's" before it was taken over by a group of Americans. Steel was produced at Spartan's in Birmingham and brought to Sheffield to be rolled. In 1984 it was bought out by 3 of the upper management and the workforce cut by about 20%, by 1999 Firth Rixson bought the order book and moved the works to Ecclesfield.
Different parts of the site served various purposes over the years from storage, to offices for other companies, with the likes of the hanger brandishing the huge Spartan logo seemingly still being used right up to the renovation/ demolition works beginning.
Current Situation:
The whole block where Spartan Works resides is set to be redeveloped as part of a wider scheme to renovate parts of the city.
Most of the buildings are set to be demolished with 6 of them planned to be saved and reused.
- Article
- Developer Statement
The Explore:
This was my second visit after I discovered the area was being worked on. Since my first look was an adrenaline fuelled dash in the darkness, I wanted to come back and try to capture some snaps.
I only looked around the offices this time as there was work actively taking place in the courtyard and hangers. But I recall there being many cool details scattered around other parts of the site.
Once inside you're instantly transported back in time and although most of the rooms are pretty empty, the dated décor and few remaining details do more than enough to make up for it.
Last edited:
