Urban Splash has secured planning consent for the redevelopment of the former Cole Brothers department store at Barker’s Pool in Sheffield.
Urban Splash was appointed by Sheffield City Council to lead the transformation of the iconic site and has been working alongside architects AHMM to evolve plans that will bring the Grade II-listed 1963 building, which closed its doors in 2022, back into active use.
The approved proposals will see the lower ground and ground floors transformed into leisure, entertainment, food, drink and retail space, with the upper floors converted into high quality, flexible workspace. The building will also feature a rooftop terrace with the existing plant room repurposed as a restaurant or bar.
Sian Stanhope, development manager at Urban Splash, said: “We are thrilled with this decision, which paves the way for bringing this much-loved building back into use for the people of Sheffield. We understand the significance of Cole Brothers, and at the heart of our proposal is a commitment to re-establishing it as a place for the city.
“Over the past year we have already introduced a range of successful meanwhile uses, hosting organisations and events including BBC Sounds, the Crossed Wires Festival, Jarvis Cocker and the FORM careers fair. Planning approval allows us to evolve that momentum into something permanent – creating new places to eat, shop and work, with lively ground floor uses and flexible workspace above to support Sheffield’s growing business community.”
Richard Lace, head of commercial lettings at Urban Splash, added: “Planning approval means we can move forward with discussions with occupiers, engaging with likeminded organisations who want to be a part of bringing Cole Brothers back to life.”
Ben Miskell, chair of transport, regeneration and climate policy committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “This is an important milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Sheffield city centre. The former Cole Brothers building holds a special place in the hearts of many residents, and we welcome plans that will sensitively restore and reinvigorate it for a new generation.”
