Sheffield shops: Retail 'unlikely' to return to former Next plot on Fargate new owner says
The owner of a prime plot on Fargate has virtually ruled out another shop on the site.
The former Next site has been empty since the store was demolished three years ago.
In a prominent position on one of Sheffield’s most famous streets, many people have a keen interest in its future.
On The Star’s Facebook page, several readers said they want it to be a shop again, with some calling for a return of John Lewis.
But Sohail Yousaf, director of Sola Estates, which bought the site in 2024, said retail was “unlikely” because bricks-and-mortar shopping was in decline.
If they signed long term leases it could be a trigger a £2m construction project which already has planning permission.
Mr Yousaf said they were also talking to Sheffield City Council about adding more floors, of office space, to “make it viable” through additional rental income because commercial rents had declined.
He added: “We love the location but we have to make sure it is viable.
“We hope to agree a deal with operators in the next six months and could start building in 2026.”