A heritage charity has accused Sheffield City Council of a “five year delay” in protecting Castlegate's historic buildings.
The Victorian Society of South Yorkshire said elements of the city's history were “at risk” due to sabotage efforts to make the area a conservation area.
Nigel Slack, the group's regional president, said the area had lost three buildings in the past year and believed stricter conservation area rules would further protect it.
Councilor Ben Miskell, responsible for regeneration, said last week a consultant had been appointed to look at several nature reserves in the city.
He said the proposed area discussed in 2019 could be revived.
Mr Slack also criticized potential moves to make Castlegate part of the existing city center conservation area.
“This is completely unacceptable as it reduces protection for both areas of the city,” he said.
“Castlegate is not just an addition to the city centre, it is a distinctive part of the city’s history and includes unique architecture and historically constructed streetscapes.”
Mr Miskell, who chairs the council's transport, regeneration and climate policy committee, said he was “incredibly excited” about the future of Castlegate, which includes a new park and a display of the castle ruins.
He said funding from the government and Historic England had enabled the council to update the information it had about the city's many nature reserves.
He said: “I am pleased to confirm last week that a consultant was appointed to begin this work with a review of the city center conservation area.”
“As part of this work, the issue of making Castlegate an extension of the city center conservation area will be considered and a recommendation will be made by March 2025.
“If Castlegate is recommended to receive conservation status, we will aim to reach a final decision by summer 2025,” he added.
