Sheffield

Huge tunnel linking Sheffield and Manchester one step closer as £500k funding secured

The proposed tunnel could completely transform travel between the two cities.

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 11th November 2026

A major plan to build a new tunnel connecting Sheffield and Manchester has received a £500,000 funding boost.

Picture the Eurostar, but plonk it going across the Pennines instead of London to Paris.

The proposed tunnel could completely transform travel between the two cities, making journeys between South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester much quicker and easier, cutting times by up to 30 minutes.

The whopping £500,000 funding has been secured by infrastructure group Future Works, which is behind the proposed Trans-Pennine Connect scheme.

The money will be used to carry out technical and environmental feasibility studies to establish whether the project could actually go ahead.

The plans would see a 14-mile dual-carriageway tunnel built underneath the Peak District, potentially running between Langsett in South Yorkshire and Hollingworth or Tintwistle in Greater Manchester.

Michael Dnes, Future Works co-founder, said: “We’re very excited to be working with UK Dynamism Fund to unlock the next stage of our project.

“This funding will let us complete the technical and environmental feasibility studies needed to get the right outcomes for people and the Peak District as we deliver better transport connections across the Pennines.”

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has previously voiced his support for the proposals, describing them as a "really exciting opportunity".

Speaking at a South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority meeting back in September, he said: "We all know the frustrations of travelling between two of the North's biggest and best cities."

He also stressed that any plans would need to take environmental considerations very seriously, particularly the impact on wildlife in the Peak District.

The project is still in very early stages, and the funding doesn't indicate that planning has been approved. We'll keep you updated with any updates as and when we know.

So, what do you make of this proposal? Would you be keen for a drive through the tunnel?

Read more: Courteeners are returning to Sheffield to headline Rock N Roll Circus 2027

Featured image - The Sheff

Sheffield

How to spend a day in Hillsborough, one of Sheffield’s best-loved neighbourhoods

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Venture out of the city centre to Hillsborough and allow us to plan your day.

We all know Hillsborough for its stadium, as well as its park which holds Sheffield's own Tramline festival and other events across the year.

But there's more to the neighbourhood then that, with its own bustling high street that's bursting with independents waiting to welcome you in.

So - you've just got to S6, here's what you're going to do...

Grab a coffee from Depot Bakery

Coach House, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HD

Images: The Sheff

You can't start a day of exploring without getting a healthy dose of caffeine in your system, and Depot Bakery is the best spot for it.

Established in 2014, this artisan bakery serves up beautiful bakes and fabulous coffee, all on the doorstep of Hillsborough Park which, coincidentally, brings us onto our next activity...

Have a wander around Hillsborough Park

Images: The Sheff

Okay, I know we said that the suburb had more to it than its park, but you can't go without having a gander through the greenery, right?

Grab your coffee to-go, have a mooch and breathe in that fresh Yorkshire air. There's also a play area if you're bringing the little ones too.

Grab some lunch at Frenzy

94 Middlewood Rd, Hillsborough, S6 4HA

Images: The Sheff

After all that walking and mooching you'll have most definitely worked up an appetite, and Frenzy is a great spot for a light bite.

This Mediterranean-inspired cafe serve everything from toasted focaccia sandwiches and salads to topped yoghurt bowls loaded with fresh fruit.

Explore Middlewood Road

Images: The Sheff

Time for some shopping, and Middlewood Road is Hillsborough's own little high street full of independent shops that are perfect for perusing.

A highlight is the gorgeous Hillsborough Bookshop that is proudly indie and bringing a specially curate collection of colourful, inclusive and representative books to S6.

Enjoy dinner at The Orange Bird

 78 Middlewood Rd, Hillsborough, S6 4HA

Images: The Sheff

This is not only one of our favourite restaurants in Hillsborough, but it's one of our top spots in the whole of Sheffield.

Known for serving irresistible South African flavours, this place is just that little bit special and everything you order will be a big hitter amongst the table. Their lamb served on a bed of hummus is quite literally one of our death row dishes.

Read more: The Hillsborough restaurant redefining bold South African flavours in Sheffield

Featured images - The Sheff

Sheffield

Courteeners are returning to Sheffield to headline Rock N Roll Circus 2027

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

The Manchester indie heroes are making a triumphant return to Sheffield.

Following an absolutely belting headline set at Tramlines this year, it seems the Courteeners just can't get enough of the Steel City as they're announced as a headliner for next year's Rock N Roll Circus.

Fresh from a new album and nationwide tour, they'll be bringing their set of singalong indie anthems to Don Valley Bowl on Saturday 28 August 2027.

And they're in good company too, with The Vaccines and The Lathums joining the line-up alongside a brilliant mix of both established and up-and-coming talent.

Also joining the bill are The Guest List, Girl In The Year Above, Little Grandad, Cowboy Hunters, Cherryholt, Saint Clair, Ist Ist and Yorkshire’s Slates and south coast band Crystal Tides.

This is just the first wave of acts to be announced, with three more headliners expected to take to the stage over the bank holiday weekend.

Now entering its fifth year in Sheffield, Rock N Roll Circus has established itself as a big hitter in the UK's festival calendar.

Ali O'Reilly, Festival Director of Rock N Roll Circus, said: "Anyone who saw Courteeners at Tramlines last year knows exactly what Sheffield means to this band. They absolutely blew the doors off the place, and there's something about the connection between Liam and a Sheffield crowd that makes every show feel like a homecoming.

"To have The Vaccines and The Lathums joining them is a huge statement, but we're just as excited about the artists coming through on Stage 2. Bands like Cherryholt, Cowboy Hunters and Ist Ist are exactly why we love putting these line-ups together. There's something brilliant about watching a new band in an intimate setting and then heading into the Big Top for one of the biggest acts in the country.

"2027 marks our fifth year in Sheffield, which is a real milestone for us. We've grown with the city, the audiences have been incredible and we're proud of what Rock N Roll Circus has become."

Rock N Roll Circus returns to Sheffield's Don Valley Bowl from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 August 2027, with Courteeners headlining on Saturday 28 August.

Tickets go on sale this Friday 6 November, find out more here.

Read more: Pop royalty S Club announce new arena tour, with huge Leeds and Sheffield gigs

Featured image - Press (Supplied)




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