Construction is underway on Hive, a £24m co-living residential development in Kelham Island that is set to become Sheffield’s biggest purpose‑built scheme of its kind.
York-based developer Grantside has appointed EDGE, a leading property and construction consultancy, and contractor HBC Construction Limited (HBC), to deliver the landmark project, winner in the Outstanding Property Awards, which is targeting completion in spring 2027. Both firms have offices locally.
The innovative development will provide 100 co-living homes, generous studio apartments, alongside shared amenity spaces – including a gym, yoga studio, co-working hub and roof terrace – designed to meet the growing demand for flexible urban living. It aims to provide private living space whilst also promoting social interaction between residents to boost wellbeing and combat loneliness. It aims to create an onsite community and connection hub.
The scheme will feature active ground floor retail units aimed at start-up businesses and independent traders, helping to create a lively street presence and support Kelham Island’s established independent character. The inclusion of commercial space reflects a strong focus on placemaking, ensuring the development contributes to the wider neighbourhood as well as its residents.
Sustainability is also a big part of this scheme, with BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards integrated from the outset. The building will incorporate locally sourced materials and feature rooftop solar panels to supply energy to the amenity spaces.
The building is also designed to be at the cutting edge of digital connectivity, achieving a WiredScore Platinum certification.
Aiming to support modern urban lifestyles, the development will place a strong emphasis on shared living and wellbeing. Communal kitchens, work and relaxation zones, laundry and café spaces, alongside rooftop planting and seating areas are all intended to encourage interaction and a sense of community, while still providing residents with private living space.
Hive marks another milestone in Kelham Island’s continued regeneration as one of Sheffield’s fastest-growing residential neighbourhoods and one of the UK’s most acclaimed.
EDGE is providing specialist services from its Sheffield office. Its work includes providing cost and project management services to support successful delivery, coordinating design teams, contractors and stakeholders, as well as providing strategic advice, managing contracts, and ensuring budgets and quality standards are met. EDGE will also be undertaking the Employer’s Agent role on the project.
HBC is delivering the scheme, bringing extensive experience in complex residential-led developments and a strong regional presence. Working closely with EDGE, the wider design team and Grantside, HBC will oversee construction from site mobilisation through to completion, with a focus on build quality, safety and collaborative delivery.
Kieran Barnes, Associate Director at EDGE, said: “It’s great to see work starting on Hive. This scheme sets a new benchmark for sustainable co-living design in Sheffield, and we’re excited to be involved in a model that genuinely has the potential to reshape how people experience city living.
“Sheffield has an ambitious goal of delivering around 20,000 new homes in and around the city centre over the next decade, so it’s great to be on site with a scheme that directly supports that vision and helps build confidence in the local residential market. We’re really looking forward to working closely with Grantside, HBC and the whole project team.”
Lee Powell, Managing Director at HBC, said: ”Hive is exactly the kind of complex, design-led residential project where HBC’s expertise in delivering high-quality urban schemes comes to the fore. Co-living developments like this require careful coordination of shared spaces and meticulous delivery.
“To manage this delivery, our project team has a combined service to HBC of 70+ years. We look forward to applying this experience and commitment to quality to create a space that works for the community. This project reinforces our established presence locally, and we are proud to be a part of bringing this landmark scheme to life.”
Steve Davis, CEO from Grantside, said: “Starting work on our first Hive co-living scheme marks a milestone in our residential growth plans and we are delighted to have appointed HBC as Main Contractor and be working with EDGE on the delivery of this exciting and innovative scheme.
“Together, HBC and EDGE form a highly aligned team focused on delivering a best-in-class co-living scheme that supports Hive’s wider vision of creating well-designed, sustainable and community focused living.”
Alongside EDGE and HBC, the project team includes architect Cartwright Pickard, structural engineers Arup, MEP partner Hoare Lea, and planning and development consultant Urbana.