You may have noticed a recent changing of the guard in the former Co-Op building in Castlegate. After a turbulent final chapter for its previous occupant, Kommune is now gone – and in its place comes Department.
Ahead of its planned May opening, we spoke to Department’s Jon Perry to get the lowdown on the all-new project rising from the ashes of Kommune and setting out to offer something altogether more ambitious.
Housed in the same landmark building but shaped by a fresh team and a new approach, Department is putting culture, creativity and collaboration at the heart of Sheffield’s evolving city centre.
Led by Jon, one of the original minds behind Kommune, Department is carving out an identity all of its own. “It’s a totally new venture, with a new company, new partners, and a new way of doing things,” Jon explains. “We’ve gone back to the drawing board and asked, ‘What does the city need now?’”
The result is a space built on collaboration, grassroots culture and year-round programming – part food destination, part creative hub, and fully committed to making something that feels truly Sheffield.
While the bricks and mortar remain familiar, the vision behind Department is entirely new. Gone is the purely food-hall model. In its place is a hybrid of events space, creative workshops, local food and drink, and grassroots culture. “What we’re doing now is more about nurturing talent, offering up space to creatives and makers, and getting back to that original idea of cultural programming,” says Jon.
A major point of distinction for Department is its pivot towards events. Where Kommune once served primarily as a dining destination, Department is designed to host a rolling calendar of live music, comedy, screenings, workshops, talks and more. “Programming is key this time round,” Jon explains. “We’re planning on hosting gigs, festivals, intimate spoken word nights, and other events that reflect Sheffield’s independent spirit. We want it to feel like something’s always going on.”
Already, the team is working with local promoters and grassroots organisers to make Department a hub for Sheffield’s cultural output. “The idea is to keep the space dynamic,” Jon adds. “We don’t want to just open the doors and hope people turn up. We’re curating an experience.”
While food will still play a central role, Department is moving away from the food-hall format that Kommune was known for. Instead, they’ll be working with a smaller selection of independent kitchens, focusing on quality, consistency and connection to the city. “It won’t be 12 food traders anymore,” says Jon. “We’re looking at around four or five key partners who we can work with closely. That allows for more collaboration and gives them the chance to really thrive.”
There’ll also be a renewed focus on the drinks offering, including a curated bar programme and ties to local breweries. “The idea is to make it feel like a proper hangout – somewhere you’d want to spend time even if you’re not eating,” Jon adds.
That sense of comfort and flexibility extends to the space itself. Department has been reimagined with more seating, softer lighting and warmer materials throughout. “It needed to feel more welcoming,” says Jon. “We’ve made choices that prioritise atmosphere and comfort, so people feel encouraged to stay a bit longer, hang out, maybe catch something unexpected.”
One of the biggest shifts is the bar — now more central, open and better equipped to serve a range of drinks with speed and style. “We’ve made it a focal point,” Jon explains. “It’s not just functional, it’s part of the experience.”
Jon acknowledges the challenges faced by Kommune, but is clear that lessons have been learned. “We were very aware of what didn’t work last time,” he says. “This time, we’ve taken a slower, more considered approach. We’ve spoken to the community, listened to people’s feedback and built something new from the ground up.”
That includes everything from staffing and operations to how the space will be run day to day. “We’re setting it up to be more agile, more community-led and more responsive,” Jon explains.
And while the name ‘Department’ might evoke echoes of the building’s former use as a store, it also hints at its broader ambition – to serve as a multi-use destination with many moving parts. “There’ll be food, drink, events, creative residencies, co-working, even retail pop-ups. It’s a department store of ideas.”
Ultimately, Department is aiming to recapture the buzz that initially surrounded the Castlegate regeneration — and give people something new to be excited about.
“We want people to walk in and discover something unexpected,” says Jon. “Whether that’s a local artist showcasing work, a workshop upstairs, or a gig you didn’t know was happening. It should feel alive.”
Department is set to open in phases in the spring, with a full events calendar due to launch later this year.
As Jon puts it: “It’s about bringing energy back to the city centre. We’ve got this beautiful building, and now we’ve got a plan that feels right for the time we’re in.”
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