Plans approved to turn vacant retail space into events hub
The planning application for “Event Central”, a mixed-use cultural community hub on Sheffield’s Fargate, has been approved.
Event Central is a regeneration project commissioned by Sheffield City Council and funded through the Future High Streets Fund, which will see the refurbishment of the existing vacant building at 20-26 on Fargate.
Formerly solely used as a ground floor retail space, Event Central will see all five floors and the basement opened up to create a community and commercial space – showcasing Sheffield’s talent with events, shows, exhibitions, workshops and talks all under one roof.
The mixed-use space will also benefit from co-working spaces, a café/juice bar and a 200-capacity standing music venue.
Councillor Mazher Iqbal, co-chair of the transport, regeneration and climate policy committee, said: “The approval of the Event Central planning application is another exciting step in creating this vibrant and cultural space for the people of Sheffield.
“We know how much talent there is within our city and we are confident Event Central will be the perfect place to showcase it, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
“This transformation will be a crucial part of our vision for Fargate and the whole city centre – unlocking all the potential Sheffield has to offer.”
Event Central is funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund. Sheffield City Council successfully bid for £15.8m in funding in 2021 and the funding requires plans to be delivered by March 2024.
As part of the wider Future High Streets Fund project, pocket parks will be introduced through Fargate.
Sheffield City Council’s bid for the Future High Streets Fund has been supported by the University of Sheffield. T
Professor Vanessa Toulmin, director of city and culture, University of Sheffield and member of Sheffield’s Future High Street Fund Stakeholder Panel, said: “The university has worked with multiple stakeholders and partners on behalf of the council to ensure this prominent central space has the potential to benefit both the vibrancy of the city itself as well as the vibrancy of the cultural sector.”
The council is currently seeking an operator committed to developing and managing Event Central, as well as taking a lead on the regeneration of the wider Fargate area.
