Portland works - Sheffield: a framework for co-production and community ownership

Portland Works is a building whose importance was recognised with Grade II listing by Historic England, a mechanism to protect by law "particularly important buildings of more than special interest". Built in the 1870s, Portland Works is an integrated cutlery factory listed as a rare complete example of large integrated cutlery works, with a layout that optimises the use of power in the cutlery manufacturing process, and for retaining both hand forges and steam grinding rooms. In 2013 Portland works was bought by nearly five hundred people, through Sheffield's first community share issues. Within the Portland Works project, heritage was framed broadly to include the building alongside its material, technological and social histories. Overall the multiple stories of the Portland Works project and its remarkably positive outcome of community ownership are a testament of what is possible when multiple interests, values and desires converge and when the energy and capacity of each participant are harnessed towards shared goals and objectives.