Listed Sheffield building transformation plans to be showcased
Regeneration company Urban Splash is displaying proposals for the planned transformation of Sheffield city centre’s Cole Brothers building.
The business is developing its ideas around how best to restore the Grade II-listed former John Lewis department store building and bring it back to life as a mixed-use space.
The vision so far includes provision for cafés, restaurants, shops, leisure facilities, potentially cultural spaces and flexible workspace on upper floors.
It is designed to complement and expand on the success of Sheffield City Council’s Heart of the City regeneration projects.
Councillor Ben Miskell, chair of the council’s transport, regeneration and climate policy committee, said: “The Cole Brothers building is iconic, not just in Sheffield but around the country as well.
“It holds a special place in people’s hearts and I, for one, can’t wait to see it transformed, open and full of life once again.
“Urban Splash have been working hard to put together a proposal which will fully utilise this Grade II-listed building right in the heart of our city and I’m really looking forward to seeing their proposals.
“Sheffield is transforming, it’s becoming a greener, cleaner, thriving place to be with developments like our incredible Heart of the City project becoming a must-visit location. I have no doubts the Cole Brothers building will be the same.”
From October 1 to 2 from to 12.30pm to 6.30pm each day, the public will have the chance to explore plans in a temporary event space within the Cole Brothers building’s ground floor, accessible via Barkers Pool.
Attendees will be encouraged to offer their thoughts and feedback on the work-in-progress ideas.
Mark Latham, of Urban Splash, said: “We are incredibly excited about the future of Cole Brothers, as we honour its past while creating a sustainable space for the future.
“We know this building holds a special place in the hearts of Sheffield’s residents, and we can’t wait to hear their stories and gather feedback.
“Opening the doors for the first time is a major milestone, and we look forward to sharing our vision.”
Urban Splash is the driving force behind the long-term regeneration of Sheffield’s Park Hill, where over 800 mixed-tenure homes, green spaces, and amenities have already been created.
Latham added: “We’ve had a profound journey in Sheffield, especially at Park Hill where our approach has been to honour the building’s heritage and integrate it into our designs.
“We’re eager to apply that experience now at Coles and are keen to meet with the local community. We’re grateful for the opportunity to steward another Sheffield landmark.”
