Fargate Container Park: Bar in Sheffield city centre development misses opening date

The bar in Sheffield’s controversial £446,000 shipping container development has missed its own opening date.​​​​​​​
By David Walsh
Published 28th Nov 2022, 14:49 BST
Updated 28th Nov 2022, 16:11 BST
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HIDE, an upstairs boozer within the much-delayed Fargate attraction, was supposed to launch on Friday, November 25. But it remains apparently lifeless today and phone calls to the managers go unanswered. It means the Container Park is still not fully open more than four months after the original launch date in July - and just weeks before it is due to be dismantled.

Ajman Ali, executive director of operational services at Sheffield City Council, said: “The HIDE bar is not yet open to the public. Our Building Control team is awaiting some key information from the operator in order to give approval to open the top floor. A date for opening the bar is to be set. In the meantime, a temporary bar has been opened on the ground floor and the local independent businesses continue to welcome in customers – serving up everything from bao buns to bratwurst, selling local brewed ales, lagers and IPAs and showcasing Sheffield-inspired prints, T-shirts and home decorations.”

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Two projects on Fargate - repaving and a revamp of the former Clinton Cards shop - will force the Container Park development to move to another site in the city. A city council spokeswoman said the move was likely to be in spring but a new location had yet to be chosen. The authority previously said it was in negotiations with a third party over a new site.

HIDE, an upstairs bar within the much-delayed Fargate attraction, advertised its launch date as Friday, November 25.HIDE, an upstairs bar within the much-delayed Fargate attraction, advertised its launch date as Friday, November 25.
HIDE, an upstairs bar within the much-delayed Fargate attraction, advertised its launch date as Friday, November 25.

The development was due to open in time for the women’s Euros in July. It was designed by Sheffield company SteelYard Kelham and is owned by the city council. The aim is to breathe new life into the once bustling Fargate with new independent shops, street food sellers and the bar.

When the Container Park was officially opened, Councillor Mazher Iqbal, co-chairman of sheffield council’s transport, regeneration and climate policy committee, said: “This new hub of shops, bars and restaurants offers something unique to Fargate and an injection of activity which will attract people back to this area of town again.

“The future is bright for our city centre and I look forward to seeing what comes next."