Refurbishment planned for Sheffield store

John Lewis is planning a refurbishment on its Sheffield city centre store after agreeing a new 20 year lease.

The retailer which has had a presence in the city for over 70 years has agreed new terms after Sheffield City Council’s cabinet committee agreed a plan to keep the employee owned business in the city. The lease is part of the council’s Heart of the City II, with the plans that went before the committee showing the retailer would pay a rent based on turnover.

Chris Harris, director of property and procurement at John Lewis Partnership, said: “Shops continue to play a crucial role in our brand story, alongside a strong e-commerce offering. Our focus is on ensuring that we have the right space in the right locations where our customers want to shop.

“We have had a presence in Sheffield for over 70 years and we have a loyal customer base in the city. As such, we are delighted to have agreed a new lease with Sheffield City Council and look forward to continuing to serve our Sheffield customers.”

Councillor Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for business and investment at Sheffield City Council, added: “Securing John Lewis in the city centre has been one of our key long-term ambitions, so we’re delighted to get a deal done – particularly during a difficult time for the high street on a national scale.

“It is reassuring and exciting to know that one of the country’s leading retail brands has committed to the city. The restructured 20-year lease will help safeguard a significant number of jobs and retains the famous Cole Brothers building as its rightful use – a department store.”

The refurbishment of the store is expected to start in 2021 with it remaining open throughout the process