Redevelopment of landmark building set to move forward

The proposed redevelopment of the landmark former Cole Brothers building in Sheffield is set to take a step forward next week.A report is due to be heard by members of Sheffield City Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee on 21 December 2023 to seek approval to enter into an agreement with Urban Splash over the lease of the listed building.Detailed negotiations on the agreement have been taking place over the past six months between Sheffield City Council and Urban Splash, following the company being named as the preferred bidder to take on the building. Negotiations have now concluded and the agreement for lease is expected to be signed in January 2024.Following the signing of the agreement, Urban Splash will begin consulting with Sheffield residents on their plans for the building and gathering thoughts and ideas.The proposed mixed-use scheme is expected to feature flexible workspace as well as cafes, retail, leisure, cultural uses and event space, which are considered to be complementary uses to the rest of the Heart of the City project.Leader of the Council Cllr Tom Hunt, chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, 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.”Urban Splash is also behind the redevelopment of Park Hill in Sheffield, with the latest phase of the project approved in November.