Purpose

The Sheffield Legends Walk of Fame recognises
individuals or groups with a strong association with Sheffield who
have made substantial contributions to the city’s positive
promotion. Following the Fargate and Town Hall Square
redevelopment, the process was relaunched in 2025/26 with a public
nomination campaign, robust eligibility criteria, and an
independent Awards Panel assessment. The 2026 cohort has been
selected, but there is a recognised need to improve gender and
ethnic diversity in future cycles. A formal review of the process
is recommended to ensure the Legends Walk of Fame reflects all of
Sheffield’s communities.

Content

 

a)

Approve the 2026 Sheffield Legends cohort as
recommended by the independent Awards Panel.

 

b)

Endorse a formal review of the nomination and
selection process, with a focus on strengthening gender and ethnic
diversity for future cycles.

 

c)

Approve the recommended communications
approach, including multi-channel promotion and event planning.

 

d)

Endorse proactive engagement with
underrepresented communities in future nomination cycles.

 

Reasons for the decision

 

3.1 As part of a package of Sheffield’s
Civic Honours and Awards, the Sheffield Legends have real potential
to help us achieve our ambitions as a city:
·      
To recognise and celebrate the contribution of individuals and
diversity of communities in Sheffield
·      
To support all three strands of the Council Plan, they look to
celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups that
contribute in many different ways to a vibrant and thriving
city
 
3.2 The recommendations ensure the process
remains robust, transparent, and inclusive, and that it evolves to
better reflect the city’s diversity. The Sheffield Legends
present an opportunity to promote the city and celebrate
outstanding achievement and to utilise the revitalised public realm
in the area of Pinstone Street and Fargate.

 

Alternative options considered

 

Alternative Option 1:
·      
Not relaunching the Walk of Fame.
o  
Rejected as it would miss the opportunity to celebrate
Sheffield’s achievements post-redevelopment.
 
 
Alternative Option 2:
·      
Continuing with the previous process without review.
o  
Rejected due to ongoing concerns about diversity and
inclusivity