As a structural engineer I am interested in architecture as well and this, in my opinion, is a marvellous way of making a structure that would normally be drab and uninteresting into a real focal point.

I am baffled, however, regarding some of the comments from the professional people you interviewed, in particular Coun John Hesketh and Howard Greaves of the Hallamshire Historic Buildings Society.

Coun Hesketh suggested that the building was out of character with this 'essentially Victorian area of the city centre'.

I must beg to differ – all the buildings immediately surrounding this new car park, bar the Roebuck Tavern, were all built in the last 50 years.

Does he not visit Howden or Derwent House on council business? Howard Greaves also suggested that this design was unrecognisable and too radical.

Well, may I also state that many of the Victorian buildings so many people now cherish were as controversial in their day.

The Eiffel Tower is a good example of a structure derided when it was built but has become one of the most recognisable and much-loved structures in the world.

I fear for the development of Sheffield. People like Coun Hesketh and Howard Greaves surpress truly different ideas in favour of the classical and traditional. Prince Charles would be proud.

However, Sheffield is a thriving modern city and needs to express this through truly inventive structures.

The Winter Garden is amazing, the office block opposite is bland and boring (this is directly opposite two of the most impressive Victorian buildings in Sheffield, the Town Hall and the Prudential Buildings) but there is room for all types of architecture in this city.

If we don't allow variety then we never move forward and people's opinions and desires can never be expressed.

If they feel it is truly radical maybe they should opt for a more Soviet Russia style urban plan for Sheffield. I'm sure that will go down a treat.



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