Plans revealed for new restaurant at one of Sheffield city centre's most historic buildings and former Star offices

Plans have been submitted to turn the former Santander bank, on the corner of High Street and York Street, into a dining venue that would operate on the ground floor of the Grade II-listed Telegraph House, built between 1913 and 1916 for the Sheffield Telegraph & Star newspapers.

The unit has been empty since 2018 and still has many of its historic features, including a domed structure with columns and a spiral staircase that was once the entrance to the publications' offices – this is topped with a statue of Roman god Mercury, the winged messenger.

A change of use application lodged with the council by London and Cambridge Properties Limited says alterations are required inside, including the removal of non-original internal walls and doors, and the installation of new ones.

"At the moment, the building is vacant and has been since August 2018,” the application says.

“Therefore, it is considered that the refurbishment of the vacant listed building to allow one of Sheffield’s listed buildings to be maintained and preserved as appropriate should be supported.

"It is considered that the proposed internal alterations would preserve the character and appearance of the listed building and would actually repair some of the original details and features that the current internal arrangements have blocked out.

"In summary, it is considered that the proposed change of use, including all of the proposed internal alterations, would preserve the positive contribution the existing building makes.”

Telegraph House – also formally known as Kemsley House after newspaper proprietor Gomer Berry, the 1st Viscount Kemsley – was built in the English Renaissance style and designed by Sheffield architecture firm Gibbs, Flockton & Teather.

The white-painted building’s high clock tower forms a parallel with Sheffield Town Hall which stands at the other end of Fargate. In 1985, after journalists had moved to modern offices further down York Street, the place was restored to become offices, shops and flats.

Council officers will review the application before a verdict is reached.

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