Leah’s Yard in the heart of Sheffield is to be given a new lease of life
The work, part of the flagship city centre Heart of the City II scheme, will see the Grade II-listed Leah’s Yard restored, while approval has been granted for further development on Cambridge Street featuring a food hall or similar social offer, a live entertainment venue and a new outdoor square.
Leah’s Yard, which houses a collection of small, former manufacturing workshops, is seen as an important part of the city’s industrial heritage.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdConstruction firm RF Joinery, of Loxley, has now begun structural works on the derelict building – Sheffield Council and its strategic development partner, Queensberry, are undertaking preliminary works to bring it back into a usable condition.
The work will include structural reinforcement, roof repairs and new windows — ensuring the building is watertight again.
A council spokesman said, while the long-term vision for Leah’s Yard is still at an early stage, there is a desire to see the workshops reimagined as creative ‘makers’ hubs with a distinct Sheffield identity.
He said: “Leah’s Yard sits within Block H of Heart of the City II, which will be the cultural and social anchor of the scheme, combining existing and new architecture to create a destination which is uniquely Sheffield.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdCouncillor Mazher Iqbal, council cabinet member for business and investment, said: “We are attempting to retain a lot of attractive heritage across the Heart of the City II scheme, while also ensuring we create new spaces that are usable and sustainable to the local economy.
“Leah’s Yard is a particularly special part of the Heart of the City II project. It has a great story within our city and bringing it back to its former glory was always high on our list of priorities.”
Andrew Davison, project director at Queensberry said: “It will act as a gathering space for people to enjoy Sheffield’s vibrant cultural scene — with the restoration of Leah’s Yard adding a further sense of history.
“We’re excited to be moving ahead with this important project and look forward to sharing news of our construction timescales and operators in due course.”
FROM THE EDITOR
Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.