Cole Brothers: Tears as much-loved former John Lewis department store reopens to public

Returning to the much-loved department store was an emotional experience for some, according to Mark Latham, of developers Urban Splash.

Meanwhile, five businesses said they were interested in moving in, including work space, two shops and a food operator.

The firm organised a two-day public consultation in the Barker’s Pool building as it prepares to agree a 250-year lease with landlord Sheffield City Council.

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Mr Latham said: “People were saying they nearly burst into tears talking about the old store, including areas such as the beauty counter on the ground floor, where we staged the exhibition. There is a lot of space around Sheffield but this is a particularly special and privileged place.”

Urban Splash has also hired agents to find tenants who would also guide how the building is used, he added.

But he felt a lot of Urban Splash’s first instincts were broadly right including retail, leisure and food on the ground and lower ground floors.

A huge space in the basement could be a gym or event space he added.

Nearby event space owned by the city council includes Bethel Chapel on Cambridge Street, Sheffield City Hall on Barker’s Pool and the forthcoming Event Central on Fargate.

But Mr Latham said they wanted to complement what was already there.

He added: “It’s not about cannabalising other operations, what we are bringing in here will support what’s already established.”

John Lewis closed with the loss of 299 jobs in 2021.

The public consultation continues today. There is no need to book.