CITY GROWTH: Demand soars for revamped Sheffield block

A business centre operator is in line to take up to half of a Sheffield office block which has stood empty for more than 10 years - as demand for space soars.
Tim Bottrill outside 32 Eyre Street which has been empty for more than 10 years.Tim Bottrill outside 32 Eyre Street which has been empty for more than 10 years.
Tim Bottrill outside 32 Eyre Street which has been empty for more than 10 years.

The unnamed firm has verbally agreed a deal for 32 Eyre Street, according to agent Tim Bottrill.

There had also been “loads” of interest in four empty shops on the ground floor, he added.

The building could be 50 per cent let with its first deal.The building could be 50 per cent let with its first deal.
The building could be 50 per cent let with its first deal.
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The seven-storey building, formerly occupied by HSBC and known as Deacon House, is undergoing a £4m refurbishment. It has been owned by London-based Makepeace Investments since the 1990s.

Mr Bottrill, of Colloco, said they had launched the refurbishment after witnessing the dwindling supply of office space in the city.

32 Eyre Street is aimed at smaller, creative and digital industries.

The Electric Works, which serves a similar market, recently announced it was fully occupied, with 400 people.

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Mr Bottrill said: “If it wasn’t a compelling story, Makepeace wouldn’t have invested. This is about Sheffield growing.

“Within a month or two we should be able to announce up to 50 per cent of it taken by someone who will be really good for the city.”

The firm has three other business centres in Yorkshire but no presence in Sheffield, he added. The deal was now with lawyers.

Colloco worked with BNP and business centre specialist Tom Stokes.

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Meanwhile, all six ground floor shops had been refurbished and there had been interest in the four empty units from operators including an IT retailer, grocer and food shop.

Mr Bottrill added: “There’s so much going on down here, the area is just going to get busier.”

Next and H&M are set to open on The Moor which is already busy, he added. New Era Square on Bramall Lane is under construction and Platform has submitted an application for more than 350 build-to-rent flats on Sylvester Street.

SHEFFIELD IS ON THE UP

A record number of firms are moving into the city centre creating a buzz in offices, restaurants, cafes and shops.

The Star, in association with Sheffield Business Improvement District, is celebrating this new vibrancy with our City Growth campaign.

Look for the logos as we chart a transformation.