Plans to tear down the John Lewis building, in Barker’s Pool, and replace it with a smaller building and park have been suggested by the City Centre Vision consultation, which received over 1500 respondents.
A new plan for the future of Sheffield city centre was set out in proposals that will, according to the council, see ‘a host of new bars, restaurants, shops, and thousands of new homes springing up from the Moor to Castlegate over the coming years.’
The consultation on the John Lewis site, which closed permanently last year leading to a huge amount of speculation over the building’s future, demonstrated a clear preference for replacing the current building with a smaller building and outdoor space.
Following the consultation feedback, the council will now start to explore options for the future of the site, including welcoming proposals and interest from potential developers to redevelop, replace or reuse the building. A final decision is expected to be taken by the end of the summer.
Artist impression of how Fargate could look under the council’s plans.
In the meantime, asbestos will be removed from the building so that any new project has a head start. The removal works will begin in May and are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
More than 1500 people responded to the proposals set out in the consultation, which will focus development in the city centre on a new set of priorities. Three quarters of people agreed with themes identified as most important for future development, which include: quality green spaces, health and wellbeing, inclusive neighbourhoods and new homes, culture, heritage, leisure, retail, sustainability and net zero.
The feedback on Castlegate and Fargate showed strong support for the proposals and work has started on implementing the schemes.
A birdseye view of Fargate proposals
Cllr Mazher Iqbal, Executive Member for City Futures: Development, Culture and Regeneration, said: “Creating this shared Vision for the future of the city centre is a major step forward for Sheffield and will help us to make sure that our city continues to thrive for years to come. It’s clear for everyone to see that despite the challenges we’ve faced over the past couple of years, Sheffield isn’t slowing down, and our city centre is quickly becoming a major destination for people to live, work and visit.
“This has been a really good opportunity to hear what people think about our city centre and to get residents and businesses involved in shaping our next steps together. We will continue to deliver fantastic new developments that reflect what people really need and want, starting with seeking proposals for the former John Lewis building that will provide something special for Sheffield. We have already had a lot of interest in the site, and we are confident that we will receive some great proposals.”
The Vision will build on work already taking place across the city centre, including the £470m Heart of the City scheme, which has introduced Marmaduke’s, Monki, Weekday and The Furnace to Sheffield. Changes to the city centre landscape are already evident, from Leah’s Yard on Cambridge Street, which is set to open in early 2023, to the construction of a Radisson Blu hotel on Pinstone Street.
More information about the City Centre Vision can be found at www.ourcitycentre-shf.com/the-next-phase, or by downloading a copy of the Vision here. The City Centre Vision will be presented to the Council’s Co-operative Executive on 16th March.
