Decision looms on future of landmark disused city centre property
Sheffield City Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee will meet next Wednesday to decide the future use of the former Cole Brothers building, in Barker’s Pool.
It will discuss a report which outlines the six proposals considered and decide whether to proceed to the next stage of detailed negotiations with the preferred bidder recommended by council officers.
The preferred bidder proposes to transform the building into a mixed-use space – comprising cafes, retail, leisure, event space and workspace – with substantial areas of the building reopening for the public.
The scheme and its uses would complement the existing and proposed development within the rest of Sheffield’s Heart of the City regeneration project.
Plans would see Barker’s Pool and Cambridge Street entrances opened up to allow for outdoor dining areas.
Meanwhile, the rest of the ground floor would be filled with retail units.
The lower ground floors would be used for leisure purposes. Upper floors would be workspace together with some rooftop offices.
It is proposed the existing car park structure would be maintained but with far fewer parking spaces for use by the tenants of the building.
The structure would have public access to a pocket park at the top, as well as studio spaces and a gym on the upper levels.
Natural light and ventilation will be maximised by creating a large atrium through the building.
Other submissions put forward for the property suggested a mixture of uses including a hotel, offices and residential.
Councillor Tom Hunt, leader of Sheffield City Council and chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, said: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to decide the future of an important and much-loved building in the city centre.
“This promises to be a really positive step forward for Sheffield. We can’t wait to see the building come to life again over the coming years.
“It is fantastic to see high calibre developers showing so much interest in our city and willing to invest on a significant scale.
“It shows developers are watching and noticing Sheffield and want to be a part of the positive changes that are happening here.
