Published 22nd May 2023, 10:48 BST

Updated 22nd May 2023, 10:48 BST

Blend Family – founded by Matt Bigland and managed with his wife and business partner Nina Patel Bigland – is the company behind the Cutlery Works in Kelham Island which has 14 food vendors based across two floors.

It has now been announced they will be in charge of Cambridge Street Collective, a food hall currently being built in the city centre of part of the Heart of the City regeneration programme.

Cambridge Street Collective is set to open to the public in autumn. It will be set across three floors and almost double the size of the 15,000 sq ft Cutlery Works.

Matt Bigland and Nina Patel Bigland are to run Cambridge Street Collective in Sheffield city centre

The venue will feature independent food and drink companies, along with a theatrical cookery school with a seating area for live demonstrations and masterclasses.

Mr Bigland said: “Cambridge Street Collective will be a 27,000 sq ft food hall set over three floors, encompassing over 24 kitchens, cookery school, bakery, and a mix of traditional, Asian and rooftop bars.

“This venture will reinvigorate the city centre.

“With Cutlery Works, we found a niche in the market that allowed traders to test products and lean on bigger footfalls without taking a traditional 15-year lease and having to put their life savings on the line.”

He added: “The diversity in the city centre is different than it used to be. There’s a huge Asian market for example. Sheffield is hugely multicultural and everyone gets along, but when it comes to food, the city still plays it safe.

“That’s where we come in. We want to bridge the gap and allow a varied mix of people to come in, without fear, to try new things.

"We want to remove the barriers that may come with going to a traditional restaurant and not knowing what questions to ask.

“We’re looking for those people who are creating amazing food but don’t have any means to share it. It’s very in keeping with the spirit of Sheffield. The city looks after its own and that’s what we want to showcase.”

Sean McClean, Director of Regeneration and Development at Sheffield City Council, said: "Cambridge Street Collective will bring something fresh and exciting to Sheffield’s food and drink scene and provide a new hub of activity for the city centre – one that not only provides more customer choice, but can also help all new and existing businesses thrive as well.”

Alex Hyams, Senior Asset & Leasing Manager, at developer Queensberry, added: “Cambridge Street Collective will bring a critical mass of footfall back into Sheffield city centre.

“It will become a diverse and inspiring destination for socialising and relaxing with families and friends.”

Couple behind Sheffield’s popular Cutlery Works opening huge new city centre food hall