Plans for mixed-use Stockbridge facility submitted

Plans have been lodged for a new hub in Stocksbridge comprising a library, office space, café and community facilities as part of a wider vision for the town centre.An application has been submitted to Sheffield City Council for the development on the site of Stocksbridge Library on Manchester Road, the first project to come forward as part of the Stocksbridge Town Deal.Planning permission is sought for the demolition of the existing library and construction of a new multi-use hub.With a working title of Stocksbridge 519, the development is designed over three floors covering 25,134 sq ft.It will comprise 10,000 sq ft of office space, a ground floor library and community space, café, purpose-built classrooms for adult education and skills provision, and space for pop up banking services and other local community facilities.Improvements to the public realm are also proposed to improve the street scene on Manchester Road.The development is expected to bring new activity and investment to the town centre and create jobs as well as new skills and opportunities in Stocksbridge.The project team includes Sheffield City Council (the applicant), CODA Studios, Arup, Rider Levett Bucknall, Paul Bedwell Town Planning and FPCR.The submission of this first town centre planning application marks a major milestone in a project which has been developed by the Town Deal Board and Sheffield City Council. It is hoped that work will start on the project in spring/summer 2024.Ian Sanderson, Town Deal board lead for Stocksbridge 519, said: “We want to create something that will be a real game changer for Stocksbridge, and we believe we have the design and concept for the building which clearly shows the ambition that we all have for the town.”The building not only looks fantastic but is going to bring new activity, uses and investment to a part of our town centre which so badly needs regenerating and upgrading. The new hub will be at the heart of the newly regenerated Manchester Road, underpinning the wider investment in the area which is needed.”Funding of £24.1m was awarded in 2022 for a range of Stocksbridge Towns Fund projects, including the new library and community hub building.The planning application for Stocksbridge 519 is set to be followed later in the spring with further applications for the new Town Square, car parking improvements, landscaping and shop front enhancements to the precinct area.