CITY GROWTH: Disused Sheffield office block comes back to life

From left: FD Alison Guggenheim, COO Natasha Babar-Evans, chairman John Guggenheim and CEO Tom Almas.

Wizu Workspace is providing offices, meeting rooms and a gym at 32 Eyre Street, an eight-storey block facing Decathlon which used to be occupied by HSBC and called Deacon House.

Two companies have agreed to move in, Teacher Active and Tessellate Technologies, who are taking a fifth of the space.

Wizu will take occupation this month, with an official launch taking place in February 2020.

Separately, more than half of the fourth floor is under offer.

The building is owned by Make Peace Investments in London. The freehold is held by Aberdeen Asset Management, owners of The Moor.

Natasha Babar-Evans, Wizu chief operating officer, said: “In 2019, Sheffield was voted the best UK city where you could start a business, but it is still really hard to find business premises at affordable rates.

“Our aim is to create a great working environment which acts as a catalyst for local enterprise in Sheffield and which is a place for start-ups, entrepreneurs freelancers, growing businesses, professionals and corporates looking for a place to thrive.

“We want to create a space where our members feel that they are part of a community that networks, innovates, collaborates and supports each other.”

Wizu has hired architect Liam Russell and Sheffield interior design company OVO Spaces.

32 Eyre Street has had a £4m refurbishment and is being advertised by agents Colloco.

Make Peace bought the building when it was still occupied by HSBC. The bank moved out more than a decade ago and it has been empty since.

The surrounding area is now on the up, with the redevelopment of The Moor, including The Light cinema and a host of new shops, the Cultural Industries Quarter - home to the headquarters of marketing firm Jaywing - and the £65m New Era Square mix of flats, shops and business units on Bramall Lane.