Supermarket plans approved for disused bowling alley

A former Sheffield bowling alley, which has been disused for six years, will be turned into a supermarket.

An application for the old MFA bowling alley in Sicey Avenue, Firth Park, has been passed by planning officers from Sheffield City Council.

The three-storey, 24,500 sq ft property has been empty since since the bowling alley shut down in 2018.

Applicant Ozmen Ltd aims to refurbish the building and use it as a retail unit, with both disabled car and cycle parking. It says this would make efficient use of a brownfield site which is currently derelict and in a poor condition.

The company’s proposals add: “Internally the building will be refurbished, the first-floor café and restaurant will be refurbished and is to be used by retail customers only.

“The site’s ground level roof to the lower-level accommodation will be enclosed and clad in metal to match the existing building and made into the ground floor storage area.

“Existing car parking will be increased. No other external alterations are proposed.

“The proposed development is very close to all local amenities and is very sustainable.”