Closure and vandalism hit fine Victorian school
Grade II-listed, 1880, E.R. Robson
The Sheffield School Board wanted to set a new standard for architecture in education and employed pioneering school architect E.R. Robson to design its Board Offices and two schools, of which Heeley Bank is one. Heeley Bank, built in 1880, is a rare example of his schools outside London: it is in his distinctive style yet follows Sheffield School Board’s preference for the use of cream-coloured local stone throughout. The sloping site has been well-used with a sequence of gables and gablets adding interest to the roofline. Under the ownership of the local council the building has been left empty, and due to very limited security provision, it has become an important target for vandals and thieves. It is currently for sale, but its future has to been jeopardised by recent developments in its condition.
Status Update / March 2026
As of 2025, the future of the building remains unclear. The roof collapsed in August 2019 just a year after a local campaign was launched for the building to be saved. This resulted in the partial demolition of the building and restoration plans being withdrawn.