The revamped Peace Gardens were the first dramatic sign that something was stirring in Sheffield city centre after years in the doldrums.

It was the initial cornerstone of the Heart of the City programme, financed with money from Europe and the lottery millennium fund and designed to help kickstart the revival of the city centre.

And over the 10 years, the design awards have rolled in and, more importantly, most people in Sheffield have taken the place to their hearts.

Read more: What do the Peace Gardens mean to you?

Yet not everybody was convinced by the designs in the early days, and there are some who still hanker for the more traditional municipal pattern of lawns, trees and flower beds.

The old Peace Gardens had offered a relaxing piece of parkland in the city centre, and when the bulldozers moved in, suspicions were raised that the council might be digging itself into an expensive and unwanted hole.

It was a time when white elephants roamed the land, and local councillors were nervous at taking such bold steps.

But as the paving, fountains, lawns, more than 150 species of plants and lighting were finally unveiled, apprehension turned to pride. The consensus was that Sheffield had got it right, setting the tone for the rest of the Heart of the City project and helping to start the painstaking business of restoring confidence in the city centre.

A key early decision was to have 24-hour patrols to ensure the gardens did not succumb to graffiti, vandalism or other damage.

The area is now watched over by city centre ambassadors, night-time security staff, CCTV operators and workers who carry out graffiti removal, gum cleaning and water feature maintenance. Four horticultural specialists are responsible for pest control, planting and watering.

One of the delights is the fountain comprising 89 jets, which retains for the city the name of Sir Stuart Goodwin, the founder of a steel- and tool-making firm. It has become a backdrop for countless wedding photographs and a place to splash around in for a generation of children.

Coun Sylvia Anginotti, cabinet member for economy and enterprise, said: "The Peace Gardens have really grown to be a landmark of the city and hold a special place in the hearts of the people of Sheffield."

They were officially opened by Prince Charles, and awards have ranged from Fountain of the Year to the Most influential Landscape Design in the Region in the last 30 years.

Wednesday's party will include two stilt walkers giving away birthday balloons between noon and 2pm, a fire juggling show from the Flame Oz performers at 4.30pm, and speeches from council leader Paul Scriven and Lord Mayor Jane Bird at 5pm. Steel City Ghost Tours will follow at 6.30 and 7.30pm.



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