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Sheffield City Centre
Sheffield has become one of the most vibrant and thriving city centres in the United Kingdom, with an impressive mix of shopping facilities, local amenities and leisure facilities you can be sure that everything you might expect of any major city. Sheffield exploded as a major city during the industrial revolution when it was a world centre for steel production. With the importance of steel for various machinery Sheffield was permanently placed on the world stage and it was not until the decline of the steel industry in the 1970's when the cities luck began to run out. Despite this its reputation as an international city of production continued and many businesses set up their headquarters in the area, particularly those related to industry. At the beginning of the 21st century a major redevelopment took place that reinvigorated Sheffield and whilst the city will always be synonymous with industry and steel production it has now earned its rightful place as a bustling cosmopolitan centre with its income doubling since the late 1990's, and this figure is continuing to grow each year despite the recent recession in 2009/2010.
Sheffield city council maintain a large amount of the amenities and attractions in the city centre, however many Sheffield attractions are run by independent charitable trusts, and the Sheffield International Venues company owns and maintains many of the leisure facilities. Recent years have seen Sheffield city centre serve as a major centre for trade and commerce not just in retail outlets. The two universities in the city (Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam) ensure that a steady stream of graduates take their places in the various high technology firms around the city centre each year, and there are a large number of primary and secondary schools and sixth form colleges ensuring that no matter where around the city centre people reside there is a good centre for learning just a short distance away. Sheffield city centre is also home to a large number of music venues.
For many years Sheffield was at the forefront of the British music scene and to this day the area produces a surprising number of bands and performers who end up taking the limelight and earning critical acclaim. Theatres are also a-plenty so those who enjoy seeing live performances will be well catered for. Sheffield also boasts a tremendous number of tourist attractions that are enjoyed by millions each year, visitors and local residents alike. One of the most unique features of the city of Sheffield is that it is the greenest city in Europe, there are some 2 million trees and a variety of parks and urban green spaces for people to enjoy. The large Botanical gardens to the south east of the city centre occupy a 20 acre site, however the vast majority of the green space is completely open for public use at all times of the year.
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