Advanced Manufacturing Park, Sheffield

Bond Bryan developed the AMRC 2 Masterplan for The University of Sheffield as Phase III of the Sheffield Business Park development, creating a significant new research campus designed to support cutting-edge research and act as a catalyst for private companies to locate adjacent to Sheffield Business Park Phases I and II.

The future development philosophy was to expand the capability of the University’s existing AMRC campus and provide a combination of manufacturing, academic, commercial and leisure facilities across a 100+ acre site. At the outset, both the client and design team shared an ambition to create a campus-style masterplan that reflected an overarching desire for a collaborative human place, centred around a series of large-scale research buildings linked by activities and processes.

A campus-style masterplan layout was developed to create a more structured approach to placemaking than had been possible on the original AMRC campus, where rapid and organic growth had shaped development over time.

Pedestrian accessibility was a key design driver. The masterplan was organised around a central boulevard that connects neighbouring buildings through a series of linked spaces designed for movement, interaction and informal collaboration. Acting as the social heart of the campus, the boulevard provides opportunities for people to meet in impromptu situations, sit together and occupy a network of shared spaces that link research, learning and industry.

The boulevard combines hard and soft landscaping beneath a series of glazed structures linking buildings and public spaces. A combination of steel, glulam and glass allows the outdoor environment to remain active throughout the year, creating a distinctive campus identity while strengthening connections between people and place.

Working closely with the wider consultant team, Bond Bryan developed a robust and viable phasing strategy with careful consideration given to highways infrastructure, civil engineering requirements and plot mobilisation. This ensured the vision remained both aspirational and deliverable whilst supporting the long-term evolution of the campus.

The AMRC 2 Masterplan provides over 16.94 hectares of development land and more than 100,000m² of research and development facilities with ancillary support functions, creating a framework capable of supporting future growth across research, manufacturing and commercial sectors.

Designed to strengthen links between academia and industry, the campus creates the conditions for private companies to locate alongside world-leading research facilities, supporting collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange.

The first phase of development secured planning permission for AMRC Factory 2050, a 6,730m² research facility and the first landmark building within the wider campus vision.

Since its inception, Bond Bryan has continued to work with The University of Sheffield to evolve and update the masterplan, supporting numerous projects across the site and helping to guide the long-term development of the Advanced Manufacturing Park.

The masterplan adopted a landscape-led approach, placing people and pedestrian movement at the centre of the campus experience.

To prioritise accessibility and create a safe, collaborative environment, car parking was located around the perimeter of the site, allowing the heart of the campus to remain focused on people rather than vehicles. This approach enables staff and visitors to move easily between buildings, public spaces and campus facilities whilst supporting a more connected and walkable environment.

By combining landscape, public realm and pedestrian infrastructure within a cohesive masterplan, AMRC 2 establishes a flexible and people-focused framework capable of supporting future growth while maintaining a strong campus identity.