These buildings were developed contemporaneously with the Arundel Gate section of the incomplete Sheffield 'Civic Circle' proposed by the post war reconstruction plan for Sheffield (Sheffield Replanned 1945). The buildings share the uncompromising architectural approach of the roadway in their unashamed modernism in both form and materials. All legibility of the former urban landscape (developed on a grid pattern from the late 18th century and consisting of high density housing and industry) was swept away with the alignment of the new road radically different from the earlier plan. To the east of Arundel Gate the 'Epic Development' includes cinemas, a huge dancehall, car parks and shopping arcades. The radical change in levels of the site is negotiated by walkways, escalators and subways intended to link the transport infrastructure of the 'Ponds' area with te city centre. On the western side of Arundel Gate the modernism of the angular 'Crucible Theatre' is softened by the use of red brick.