In Pictures: More old tram track discovered in Sheffield

As roads are continually dug up around the country either for utility works or in the name of improvements we keep seeing the past being unveiled as more tracks from the first generation of tramways in the UK reappear after several decades. The latest city to give up some of its history – albeit briefly – is Sheffield where significant sections have been discovered during works on Fargate/Leopold Street.

When trams returned to Sheffield in the 1990s this area of the city centre was not to be lucky enough to have new tracks laid for the modern vehicles to run so its been 63 years since trams were seen here. Trams last ran on the track seen here on the last tram parade which took place on 8th October 1960. Due to large crowds and heavy rain in Town Hall Square the parade was diverted via this curve from Pinstone Street (behind the camera) into Leopold Street and down Church Street instead of Fargate. Towards the end of the tram system this move rarely happened as they had to travel on the right hand side of a mini roundabout at the top of Church Street.

The tracks have been discovered during works which are part of a project to renovation the area with green spaces, seating areas and new lighting. Its funded through a £15.8 million Future High Streets Fund grant.

Unmistakable in the centre of the photo are the old tram tracks which have been uncovered.

Diggers in action with track in the centre of the image.

Another look at some of the track seen for the first time in over 60 years! (Photographs x3 by Stuart Cooke, 29th September 2023)

A few days later and more rail is seen with the curve in the track clear in the foreground. (Photograph by Stuart Cooke, 6th October 2023)