PLANS to convert a historic cutlery works into 77 flats and offices have run into opposition from leading Labour politicians, who say Sheffield's industrial heritage should be preserved,
Central MP Richard Caborn and Labour's parliamentary candidate for the constituency, Paul Blomfield, will today visit Portland Works in Randall Street, near Bramall Lane, which accommodates a number of businesses.
Mr Caborn said: "If the plans go
ahead not only will a wonderful piece of architecture have its heart ripped out but traditional manufacturing companies are at risk of being lost from Sheffield."
Mr Blomfield said: "There aren't a lot of small metal manufacturing workshops in the city any more, so where small companies are still involved in the metal trade we should support them."
The works date back to the 1870s and are "one of Sheffield's most significant industrial buildings", according to the national Victorian Society, which is opposing the conversion scheme.
It was at the site that the first stainless steel was manufactured in Britain, produced in 1913 by R F Mosley and Co.
A decision on the planning application will be made by the council.
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