Progress made on plans to redevelop city centre landmark

Plans to revitalise Sheffield’s former Cole Brothers building in Barker’s Pool into a mixed-use entertainment, leisure and retail venue are moving forward.

A report is due to be heard by members at Sheffield City Council to seek approval to enter into an agreement with Urban Splash over the lease of the building.

The council’s Strategy and Resources Committee is due to meet on 21 December and will hear the latest update on the project to transform the landmark building as part of the ongoing regeneration of the city centre.

Over the past six months detailed negotiations on the agreement have been taking place between Sheffield City Council and Urban Splash, which was confirmed back in June 2023 as the preferred bidder to take on the building.

Those negotiations have now concluded and the agreement for lease is expected to be signed in January 2024.

Once the agreement has been signed, the regeneration company will then be consulting with the people of Sheffield on its plans for the building.

Sheffield City Council leader, councillor Tom Hunt, said: “The former Cole Brothers building is an important and much loved part of Sheffield City Centre.

“It’s great that we’re moving forward with Urban Splash to breathe new life back into the building.

“The exciting proposal from Urban Splash will add to the fantastic regeneration we’re seeing throughout the city centre in the Heart of the City development at West Bar and more.

“Sheffield is a city on the up. We are creating a city centre that will be a destination for people to come and relax, shop, eat, work, and drink.”