New mast for Sheffield Uni’s Arts Tower rooftop aims to prevent helicopter collisions

A new mast could be installed on the rooftop of the University of Sheffield Arts Tower to prevent collisions with air ambulances.

A planning application for the new three metre high mast with red helicopter obstruction light was submitted to Sheffield City Council last month. It is currently awaiting approval.

The application has been submitted by Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS Trust, which is situated nearby and completed installation of a new air ambulance helipad last year.

The document states the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) decided after helipad test flights that a mast would be necessary due to the tower’s “height and proximity to the helicopters on final approach and take off”.

It added: “The CAA have requested a low intensity LED aeronautical obstruction light is installed on the south-west corner of the Arts Tower roof three metres above the highest point to provide identification for pilots during night flights.”

In a supporting statement, South Yorkshire Police said: “Low-intensity obstruction lights are essential for maintaining aviation safety. These lights aid pilots in navigating through
low-visibility conditions and help prevent collisions with tall structures.

“Emitting a constant red light visible from all directions, they serve as a warning to all aircraft pilots and are a crucial safety measure for the Arts Tower and helicopter pilots.”

The Arts Tower is Sheffield’s second-highest building, standing at 20 stories and 78 metres tall.

It was opened in 1965 and is today home to the university’s School of Architecture and Landscape.

The building is also famous for its paternoster lift – one of few remaining in the UK.

Featured image from Google Maps