The Rose Garden Cafe, Graves Park: Restoration work continuing on much-loved park cafe once threatened with demolition

The Rose Garden Cafe in Graves Park was ordered to be closed by Sheffield City Council in July 2022 over fears about the safety of the building, causing a public outcry. Protests forced the council to reject demolition of the building and work with the community on its restoration.

The council’s charity trustee sub-committee will next Monday (March 3) receive an update on the work taking place by the Rose Garden Cafe Partnership. This brings together the Friends of Graves Park and the Save the Rose Garden Cafe Campaign with the council to spearhead the work to restore the building.

Architect Chris Hill recently presented plans for the building to a public meeting held at the cafe, which was attended by several councillors. Architectural drawings are available online at https://haveyoursay.sheffield.gov.uk/rose-garden-cafe.

Fundraising ideas for the project range from applying for major grants from the National Heritage Lottery Fund and other funders to a 10p donation by cafe operator Dukes for every hot drink sold, which has raised £1,854.

Many events to raise money have already taken place and there are plans to hold one at the venue every six weeks. These include face painting on April 12, an Easter stall on April 19, a pie and peas quiz night on May 2 and sponsored walks and talks on May 9.

Building companies will also be asked to provide free labour and materials.

A ‘wish list’ for the £2.6m restoration work includes the following points:

• Rebuilding the front wall with new foundations, new windows and doors to make the building structurally sound;
• Landscaping works to create level access around the café with new covered seating area, takeaway hatch and bin store;
• Lighting from the park animal farm to the café for evening use of the building;
• Full internal remodelling with revised layout to include a modernised kitchen, new hireable community space and refurbished WCs;
• New Changing Places toilet facility for disabled users;
• Replacement of outdated services;
• Measures to make the building more sustainable including PVs and insulation to all external walls;
• Replacement of windows and doors;
• Restoration of the clock tower.