Shop lined up to replace empty former Starbucks in prime city centre Sheffield shopping street
Fargate has been at the centre of major roadworks in recent years
A shop is lined up to take over a former big-name coffee brand’s unit on what has traditionally been Sheffield’s most high profile shopping street.
A notice has been placed in the door of what was for many years the Starbucks at the end of Fargate, which has been closed since May, having traded there for 18 years.
The notice states: “We KH Oriental Express (Fargate) Ltd, have made an application under section 17 part three of the Licencing Act 2003 for the grant of a premises licence for the premises known as KH Oriental Express, 4 Fargate.”
It adds that they plan to sell alcohol from the premises from 9am until 8pm, Monday to Sunday.
Although the licencing application gives no extra information, details lodged with companies house for KH Oriental Express (Fargate) Ltd confirm that the company will be a retailer.
It has its address listed as the shop, and describes the nature of the business as: “Retail sale in non-specialised stores with food, beverages or tobacco predominating.”
Fargate was traditionally the main retail street in Sheffield, home to big name businesses including some of the major banks and shops like Next and Topshop.
Marks and Spencer and Boots still remain there, but it recently suffered a blow with the news that its former WH Smith, which had been rebranded as TG Jones, was to close.
The street, which was pedestrianised in the early 70s, has also undergone a major revamp by Sheffield Council, which has changed the streetscape, bringing in green areas containing plants.
It meant works were being carried out for several years, and workmen remain there carrying work out on the planned Events Central building, which is to stage events.
The name KH Oriental Express is already trading at a site in New Era Square, between Bramall Lane and London Road, selling Asian groceries, with the same director.
The Star has approached the New Era Square business for more information.