Sheffield's Orchard Square unveils new look as shopping precinct remains up for sale at £16m

A number of new businesses have recently set up in the square, including pizza chain Proove and new bar The Old Shoe.

This month has also seen the completion of an extensive refurb of the square, including new paving throughout, as well as the installation of awnings and a central canopy built to create a weatherproof event space.

Commenting on the works, Orchard Square manager Shay Murray said: “We are delighted to be unveiling the Square’s updated look following our futureproofing, refurbishment programme.

“The updated Square now offers our tenants and customers a more modern look and feel, alongside covered outdoor spaces, which has long been asked for and will be used for city centre events and gatherings - providing even more reasons for people to visit.”

The square was initially bought by LAP for £15.8 million in 1999.

The site contains 25 retail units, 11 craft shops and three storeys of offices.

Other businesses have also joined the square in recent months, including bars Cheap Dates and Terrace Goods.

Independent food hall Sheffield Plate also opened in the square in September of 2021, with businesses including Sri Lankan food stall Colombo and Balkan Flame, a Romanian food vendor.

Also set to soon join the square is a new activity bar titled Game Show All-Stars, from the owners of Sheffield’s Great Escape Rooms.

The new venue will give players the chance to take part in classic shows such as Countdown and Who Wants to be a Millionaire, as well as six high-tech mini games.

The new businesses join companies including TK Maxx, Waterstones and Costa, which have been located on the square for a number of years.

Scrivens opticians, Printed By Us clothing, Blue Banana and The Bodyshop are also located within the square, as well as Metro Bank.

The square’s upper floors are also currently being turned into flats after a nearly £1 million in grants from Sheffield City Council.

Council grants also enabled LAP to make the current improvements including the open air canopy and paving.

The funds were taken from the government's Future High Streets Fund, a £675 million pot from which Sheffield received £15.8 million to improve High Street and Fargate, administered by Sheffeld City Council

Ms Murray added: “We are proud to offer a vibrant community hub in the heart of Sheffield’s city centre for today’s visitors to relax, eat, drink and shop - and look forward to welcoming old and new customers alike over the coming weeks and months.

“This is an exciting time for Sheffield city centre generally, given various current regeneration works. Orchard Square is thrilled to be part of that programme – and pioneering this new era for our city.

"If you haven’t been to Orchard Square recently, we can’t wait to welcome you back.”

To mark the square’s “new era”, this weekend saw celebrations including live music and entertainment.

Pizza chain Proove, one of the newest additions to the square, was originally established in Sheffield in 2015, in Broomhill. Its Orchard Square venue opened earlier this month.