Bar owners reveal why Sheffield’s trendy Kelham Island is struggling after two businesses close down

Charlie Curran, co-owner of Noosa, said several issues had led to the closure of the Australian cafe, namely low footfall during the week, and lack of available parking spaces.

The cafe, which closed two weeks ago, employed six members of staff.

Charlie said: “When we opened six months ago, we were excited about the project, and felt we were in the right area.

“We felt like we were jumping at the right spot, and at the right time for our clientele, as Kelham Island is called an up-and-coming area.

“We had a few good months in the summer, but the footfall in winter is almost non-existent.

“As the weather gets colder and wetter, Monday to Friday is like a ghost town.

“The biggest problem is parking – flats keep getting built and businesses keep moving in, but there’s nowhere to park.

“People rely on their cars, and don’t want to spend their lunch driving around to park.”

Other business owners in the district have echoed Charlie’s sentiments, agreeing that a lack of on-street parking means their cafes and bars are suffering.

Sonya, who co-owns Bar Kelham on Green Lane, says a two-hour parking limit could help solve the issue.

“People often park here and walk to work in the city centre, so I think a two hour limit would help.

“It is quiet in the week, and even residents struggle to get parked, eve though lots of flats are going up at the moment.

“The weekends are alright because people tend to drink and get taxis.

“More shops in the area would bring people in, I hope more shops do come to Kelham.”

Noosa isn’t the only business forced to close in Kelham Island in the last few months.

In October, The Gatehouse - described as a ‘fantastic café, bar and kitchen’ – confirmed on its website that it has ‘ceased trading’, due to increased competition.

Sheffield City Council has been contacted for comment.