Cutlery works becomes city centre learning zone
A FORMER 18th century cutlery works has been transformed into an educational base.
Lord Mayor Coun Arthur Dunworth and Sheffield Central MP Richard Caborn officially opened Freeman College’s new educational base at Sterling Works, situated in the heart of Sheffield’s Cultural Industries Quarter.
The building has been converted by Freeman College – a further education charity which educates young people with autistic spectrum disorders and developmental delay – into modern facilities for on-site teaching, craft workshops, a coffee shop, a bakery and a student refectory.
More than 150 guests attended the opening event, which was held in the courtyard at Sterling Works, with catering, entertainment and demonstrations provided by Freeman College students and staff.
The primary focus of the Sterling Works project, which has been funded by a Learning and Skills Council capital grant, has been the provision of a modern educational base for Freeman College students, while also engaging with the local city centre community.
Mr Caborn said: “This development has taken immense vision and determination and everyone involved has done an absolutely fantastic job.
“The project has been about more than just heritage and conservation, but about bringing the building back to life and creating a working base for education. I’m sure the people of Sheffield will be very proud of Sterling Works in years to come.”
Coun Dunworth said: “I’m delighted to be here at the restored Sterling Works, and applaud the investment and concepts enshrined here, and at Butcher Works next door. It must also not be forgotten that 150 jobs have been created in the city centre thanks to these developments, which is fantastic news.
“A magnificent job has been done here in helping to safeguard Sheffield’s industrial heritage. This is a great day for Freeman College.”
The newly developed site will also include a community bakery, and the college is being advised on production by organic breadmaker Andrew Whitley.
Further links with the local community are being planned through the development of a community medical centre at Sterling Works, with talks currently at an advanced stage with Sheffield Primary Care Trust.
To listen to interviews from the launch of Sterling Works, click here.
