John Lewis: ‘Exciting’ future of landmark former Cole Brothers building revealed

Urban Splash was announced as the successful bidder in an extraordinary strategy and resources committee meeting in the Town Hall today.

Making the announcement, council leader Tom Hunt said: “Breathing new life into the Cole Brothers building is an important part of the ongoing regeneration of our city centre. It is fantastic to have taken this next step forward.

“Sheffield city centre is on the up. We are creating a city centre that is a great place to relax, shop, work, eat and drink. Urban Splash has put forward an exciting proposal to re-imagine a much-loved building and I can’t wait to see it come back to life.

“We’re delighted to see high-quality developers showing significant interest in Sheffield and wanting to be part of our city’s future. This is an exciting time for Sheffield.”

Plans for former Cole Brothers and John Lewis site

The main aim of the project is to re-establish the building as a city centre focal point with places to meet, eat and shop.

Urban Splash plans to fill the ground floor with “lively” retail, food and drink – particularly independent businesses – use the lower ground floors for leisure, and create workspaces, studios, a gym and rooftop offices on the upper floors.

Entrances from Barker’s Pool and Cambridge Street will be reopened to allow outdoor dining areas and there are plans to turn the top of the former car park into a public pocket park.

The existing car park will be retained but with fewer spaces and it will only be used by businesses.

Council officer Neil Jones said in the meeting that these proposals were the most environmentally and heritage friendly and would be quick to build.

Detailed negotiations will now start between the council and Urban Splash and further details are expected as this progresses.

Simon Allford, co-founder of AHMM Architects – which is working with its long-time collaborators Urban Splash on the project – said this refurbishment was the key project in the ongoing regeneration of the city centre.

Urban Splash

In the meeting, Mr Jones said the developer had a 30-year track record of re-purposing historic listed buildings, including the landmark Park Hill flats.

Mark Latham, regeneration director at Urban Splash, said the scheme had all the hallmarks of one of their projects.

He said: “We are delighted to be entrusted with the redevelopment of the Cole Brothers building. We know how important this building is to so many Sheffielders and look forward to sharing and developing our ideas for its future together with the city.

“We will adopt a similar approach in our plans for Cole Brothers – engaging with local people as we immerse ourselves in the heritage and emotional connections many have here. There’s a lot of hard work ahead, but we are excited to get started as we take on another Sheffield icon.”