City landmark set to undergo multi-million pound refurbishment

A prominent Sheffield building which has been vacant for over ten years is undergoing a multi-million pound transformation to support the growth of businesses in the city.

32 Eyre Street, formerly known as Deacon House, is being re-developed to enable it to accommodate private office suites, co-working spaces, event space, meeting rooms, and a fitness centre across three floors by Wizu Workspace.

These facilities will be an asset for start-ups, entrepreneurs freelancers, growing businesses and professionals, acting as a catalyst for local enterprise in Sheffield.

Award-winning architect Liam Russell and workspace design company OVO Spaces are collaborating with Wizu Workspace, which will occupy three floors of the building.

Wizu, which has already developed workspaces in Leeds and Bradford, specialises in high specification, uniquely designed private office suites, co-working spaces, meeting rooms and event space to uplift and inspire creativity.

The business is run by chairman, John Guggenheim, CEO Tom Almas, chief operating officer Natasha Babar-Evans and financial director Alison Guggenheim.

Wizu said “building a community” is also important, so it has therefore hired Philippa Taylor as its community manager in Sheffield.

32 Eyre Street is situated at the foot of The Moor and with easy access to public transport and ample parking.

Babar-Evans said: “In 2019, Sheffield was voted the best UK city where you could start a business, but it is still really hard to find business premises at affordable rates.

“Our aim is to create a great working environment which acts as a catalyst for local enterprise in Sheffield and which is a place for start-ups, entrepreneur’s freelancers, growing businesses, professionals and corporates looking for a place to thrive.

“We want to create a space where our members feel they are part of a community that networks, innovates, collaborates and supports each other.”

Almas added: “We are really excited to bring our unique style and quality of flexible workspace to Sheffield which has been designed around the needs of our members.

“We see ourselves as a service provider not just a provider of space with our members at the heart of everything we do.”

So far, over 20% of the 16,000 sq ft Wizu will occupy has been secured by new members including Teacher Active and Tessellate Technologies.

Wizu will take occupation this month with an official launch to be staged in February 2020.