Luxury furniture and lighting retailer buys landmark building

Sheffield-based luxury furniture and lighting retailer, Nest, has confirmed the acquisition of a second site.

It will establish a dedicated design destination within the city’s Park Hill development. 

The firm has bought the Scottish Queen, a landmark property at the heart of phase one of the redevelopment project

The building once housed one of the four original onsite pubs. It spans 3,500 sq ft and includes a basement and terraces to both sides. 

Nest’s CEO and founder, Christian Hawley, says the industrial interior of the unit encapsulates Sheffield’s history, while the “breath-taking” views over the city centre provides the business with excellent display and photoshoot opportunities.

Credit: Max Hawley

He added: “If you love concrete and modern brutalist buildings, then it doesn’t get any better, and when I first visited the space during an exhibition a few years ago I knew it would be the perfect location for Nest.  

“I knew there and then that if we ever had the opportunity to acquire the site we would try and make it happen.” 

A joint venture between Urban Splash and Places for People, amenities already in situ onsite at Park Hill include a vegan/veggie café South Street Kitchen, seating areas and play pieces on the sculpture plinths in the landscaped areas. 

S1Artspace is also based on site, convenience store Park Hill Provisions is due to open in the coming months, and more retail and leisure operators are expected in the coming year.  

Fit-out plans are now underway on the Scottish Queen which is centrally located close to the Sheffield Parkway, and within walking distance of the railway station.

With work expected to complete in the Autumn the new showroom will be open by appointment for residential interior designers, contractors and members of the public; housing fresh and iconic designs from a network of suppliers from all over the world.  

Nest was advised on the purchase of the site by Cathy Thomas at Mason Thomas Law.

Hawley said: “The Scottish Queen is an ideal base for a business which is rooted locally, and the perfect home for our new, dedicated design destination.  

“Plans are now underway to design and develop the space further and we’re excited to be working towards an autumn opening.” 

 Nicky Harries, senior commercial lettings manager for Park Hill, said: “Nest is an established Sheffield brand and will be a fantastic addition to our thriving community at Park Hill.  

“The space in the Scottish Queen is ideal for their needs and we are confident it will add to Park Hill becoming even more of a destination, offering an ideal opportunity for those looking for beautifully designed pieces for their home.

“And of course it will be great for our residents to have on their doorstep too.”