Reopened timber cafe stays true to roots

Forge Dam Cafe in the Porter Valley, which has been open for 80 years, was made from a timber shed that was previously believed to have been used as a Methodist chapel in Walkley.

When Sheffield Council looked into replacing the dilapidated structure, the authority was confronted with a petition from supporters arguing that the "quirkiness" and "familiarity" of the cafe should be kept, should any renovations take place.

To keep the character of Forge Dam Cafe, the improvements have involved replacing the old green corrugated tin sheet roof with a colour-matched, insulated metal roof covering and replacing the external cladding and windows with treated timbers stained to match the previous ones.

Sheffield Council leader Paul Scriven said: "Local people told us how much they valued the cafe, but they were also keen to keep the traditional appearance that fits so well into its Porter Valley setting.

"A lot of credit must go to the team who worked on this project to deliver a great facility on time and within budget."