'Hidden gem' George Street searches for new direction after Curzon closure
“It is going through a transformation and we are proud to be part of it”
A “breathtaking” Sheffield street is searching for a new identity following the “tragic” loss of a vital occupier.
Charming George Street, which is home to several listed former banks, is set to lose the Curzon Cinema following a drop in ticket sales.
It will leave the unspoilt alleyway, which links Sheffield’s theatreland with lively High Street, quiet in the middle.
The Curzon closes on June 29 following a bombshell announcement just days ago.
It faces the former Cutlers Hotel which closed in 2022. In 2024, owner Vine Hotels announced plans to spend ‘multi-millions’ converting it into 27 flats but work has yet to start.
But Sheffield businessman Oliver Keane is undeterred.
He is launching The Mulberry Club, a private members club, in the Grade II-listed former Midland Bank at 35-37 George Street.
It is intended to be a place to wine and dine investors and its slogan is ‘cultivated for conversation’.
Mr Keane said George Street’s breathtaking architecture and unspoilt appearance make it one of the best hidden gems in Sheffield
He added: “The closure of the Curzon will be a tragic loss to the street and Sheffield as well. But we are all excited at the prospect of what could come from that.
“Anyone opening a business in that part of the city is investing early but it is going through a transformation and we are proud to be part of it.”
The Curzon employs nine. Manager Nigel McEnaney said the closure was a surprise and a blow. The number of messages they had received showed it was loved, he added.
He said: “I’m going to miss it. Not just the job but the building. Curzon looked after the history and heritage of the place. It could be lovely.”
Commercial property agent Paul Lancaster said the building was refurbished in 2001 and finally let to the Curzon in 2016. He feared it could stand empty again when the cinema closed.
He said: “It’s not an easy unit to let. It’s a bit off the circuit. It’s sad Curzon was not able to make it work.”
The former Halifax bank on the corner of High Street and George Street was under offer from a fast-food chain restaurant, which could open before Christmas, he added.
It would join a cluster of outlets including a 24-hour McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King and German Doner Kebab.
While not to everyone’s taste, it was better than it sitting there empty, he said.
At the other end of George Street, facing the Crucible theatre, the Chinese Kitchen is popular with snooker players, including this year’s World Championships winner Wu Yize.
He is one of three Chinese stars to have signed a menu, according to manager Qiuyun Chi.
Earlier this year it was announced the Crucible is to have a £45m extension to add 500 seats to keep the snooker in Sheffield until “at least” 2045.
The Curzon also contributed customers, Ms Chi said.
But business was “hard” and a big reason was that parking was difficult or too expensive.
She added: “We need something to get Sheffield running better.”
You can read Nancy Fielder’s opinion on the changing face of George Street here
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