New life planned for closed Sheffield city centre pub - here's what to expect
Former pub set to become and arts venue, with cafe
A lost Sheffield pub is set for a new lease of life - as an arts venue.
The former Tap and Barrel, on Castlegate, will be renovated to accommodate radio, TV and podcasting studios, a public cafe and bar, and performance space for local artists and promoters.
The building, near the former Sheffield Castle site which is being redeveloped into a public open space, had been closed as a pub.
Sheffield Community Media, which hosts Sheffield Live! radio and TV, has bought the building with the support of social investment lender, The Key Fund. It plans to raise further investment from a community shares issue to refurbish the bar and performance spaces.
Steve Buckley, of Sheffield Community Media, said: "Acquisition of the former Tap and Barrel meets our long held ambition to find a space for live performance, community arts and social enterprise that can integrate with our broadcast media facilities.
“We are inviting people to get involved and we welcome expressions of interest in use of the space and contributing to the project."
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Sangita Basudev, co-founder of Sheffield Live! added: "We are excited to be moving to this iconic location, on the site of Sheffield's former castle and opposite Lady's Bridge, the first bridge across the River Don.
“With Castlegate now part of the city centre conservation area we look forward to developing our role in promoting local heritage and connecting communities."
Tchiyiwe Chihana, director of African Voices Platform, a partner in the project, said his organisation was delighted to have the opportunity to build on its work with Sheffield Live! and to contribute to a new space for community arts that will showcase Sheffield’s diverse talent and enterprise.
Arts groups can email [email protected] to get involved.