'Vibrant future' planned for Sheffield building

Plans have been submitted to make an "iconic" Sheffield building "vibrant and sustainable" for the future.

John Lewis closed its department store in Sheffield city centre in 2021 and the building has stood empty other than a short period as a festival base in July and a public consultation centre about its future last October.

In 2023 developers Urban Splash, who have also redeveloped the nearby Park Hill flats, announced plans to turn the building into a mix of flexible workspaces, cafés, retail, leisure, cultural venues and event spaces.

The Grade II-listed 1963 building, known to many in Sheffield as Cole Brothers, would also have a rooftop terrace if plans are passed.

AHMM, the architects working with Urban Splash, said the plans would give the "vacant Sheffield landmark a new lease of life", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

It said the proposals would deliver "a high-quality mixed-use redevelopment that honours its historic character while equipping it for a vibrant and sustainable future".

"A key element of the proposals is [changes to] the roof, making this part of the building publicly accessible for the first time," the application said.

"The existing rooftop plant room will be repurposed to create a new restaurant or bar with external terrace, accessed directly from ground level via the main lift core".

The developer has been working with Sheffield City Council to bring the building, a key part of the authority's Heart of the City redevelopment, "back to life", the LDRS said.

Urban Splash regeneration director Mark Latham said: "The planning submission for Cole Brothers reflects our commitment to reviving this cherished building, honouring the past while developing both an inspiring and functional space to meet, connect, innovate and thrive within the city centre's community and urban landscape."

Cllr Ben Miskell said the "iconic Cole Brothers building holds a very special place in the hearts of people in Sheffield and further afield".

He added the Cole Brothers transformation would bring people back into the city "to work, live and enjoy".

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North