Regeneration firm Urban Splash will bring a bring a leisure, entertainment, food, drink and retail space to the site
A vision for the former Cole Brothers department store at Barker’s Pool in Sheffield.(Image: Urban Splash)
Planning approval has been given to redevelop the former Cole Brothers department store in Sheffield city centre. The city council has waved through plans for the landmark 1960s building which closed in 2022.
Regeneration specialist Urban Splash was appointed by Sheffield City Council to transform the Grade II listed property, with designs coming from AHMM. Proposals include turning the lower and ground floors into leisure, entertainment, food and drink and retail space, while the upper floors will become flexible workspace.
A rooftop terrace will also accompany a restaurant and bar – accessible from the ground floor via the main lift – through repurposing of the building’s plant room. Urban Splash says the scheme will open up the property’s Barker’s Pool and Cambridge Street frontages to create outdoor dining areas, taking cues street seating on Division Street.
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.”
Urban Splash says it is now speaking with businesses looking for space at the building.
Richard Lace, the company’s head of commercial lettings, 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.”
Coun 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.”
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