Historic listed workshop at Kelham Island goes up for sale

The Grade II listed Cornish Works, between Green Lane and Cornish Street, dates back to 1849 and was built by George Barnsley & Sons.

The business grew to be one of the largest manufacturers of tools for shoe making in the city.

The dilapidated site, which hasn’t been used for manufacturing for many years, still features machines, millstones and tools from the trade.

But it is set to be transformed as demand for flats in one of Sheffield’s trendiest districts continues to soar.

Tim Bottrill, of commercial agents Fernie Greaves, said the owner felt it was a good time to sell and it was likely to become a ‘mixed-use development’ of flats, offices, shops, a pub and a restaurant, based on the recent history of the area.

Kelham Island is home to flats - with developments on both sides of the River Don- a museum, several popular pubs including the Fat Cat and Kelham Island Tavern, restaurants and an estate of new Citu homes, Little Kelham. Several businesses are also based there, including a bakery, a gym and the new Krynkl development set to be made from shipping containers.

A similar former manufacturing site, Cornish Place, was redeveloped by Gleeson 15 years ago and is now apartments.

But converting Cornish Works would not be easy, Mr Bottrill added.

“It’s a scheme that needs a developer who has done this kind of thing before.

“It’s complicated and converting old buildings is difficult due to the listing. You have to deal with the council and Historic England.

“The buildings are absolutely fascinating to walk around – there’s going to be a lot of interest.

“We’ve had a number of viewings and quite a lot of interest from developers from out of town, which is good.

“Getting new money and new ideas into the city is a good thing.

“Kelham is a really popular part of Sheffield and it appeals to private individuals rather than students.”

Kelham Island is bounded by Corporation Street, the A61 and the River Don.