Exclusive:Sheffield market set-up only months ago could be demolished as developers push forward student housing plans
“We're extremely proud of what we've achieved at Eyre Street in such a short space of time”
Traders who set-up shop at a new indoor market that opened only four months back are now having to prepare to move location or close down entirely - as owners push forward plans to demolish the building.
On February 7, The Atrium opened its doors on Eyre Street, inviting customers to browse around half-a-dozen stores offering handmade gifts, clothing and books.
Over the following months, a tattoo parlour and Pilates studio within the indoor market have also managed to grow in popularity, while on the ground floor of the building the Off the Canvas art cafe continues to bring in dedicated customers.
But, boiling under the surface has been the threat that the building may be demolished to make way for a 12-storey student housing block - which is now coming to a head.
“Without this building and the landlord's offer I never would have taken a chance with it [the cafe],” Caitlan Driver, owner of Off the Canvas, told The Star.
“This place has has give me a lot of resilience.”
Developers were granted permission for the student housing plans back in 2024, however had to meet a number of conditions to ensure the safety and stability of the site.
With a deadline for work to start by January 2027, they have now submitted amended plans which would allow them to demolish the existing buildings before things like ground contamination reports or surface water assessments are approved.
A planning document adds: “This application seeks to vary the planning conditions so that demolition can proceed without discharging all pre-commencement conditions. The objective is to implement the planning approval by undertaking demolition only as an initial package of work.
“This would allow the applicant to implement the consent (prior to the consent expiring in January 2027) and proceed with demolition promptly which will avoid the negative impact of the deteriorating building sitting vacant in the Conservation Area.”
Businesses located within the building said they were aware of the proposed redevelopment since they took the leases on, and that that it has been “on the forefront of all our minds.”
Caitlan added: “Of course, we're very fond of the building and have invested a huge amount of time, passion and energy into transforming it into something amazing and independent for all of us, which Sheffield city centre has lacked enormously for some years.
“We've worked so hard to create a welcoming and creative community hub and we're extremely proud of what we've achieved at Eyre Street in such a short space of time.
“While it would be heart-breaking to see the building go, our focus remains on continuing to provide a safe space with great experiences not only for our customers, but for the creative community around us. We also appreciate that developments like these involve many different considerations and stakeholders.
“At this stage, it's business as usual and we look forward to making the most of our time in the building. We know everyone in The Atrium, and all of our customers share our affection for the space and what it represents to so many of us.”
The cafe opened in December 2025, and like many of the markets moved over from the Arundel Emporium across the street.
Caitlan said that throughout November, when they still didn’t have electrics, the team were working overtime to bring the place to life for customers with hopes that they would have a few years in the location.
Nevertheless, she said she was “excited” about the future, saying of her time on Eyre Street: “I wouldn’t have it any other way, it’s part of the story isn’t it?”
Similarly, Abbie Parker, who runs The Reformer Pilates studio in The Atrium, said she’s excited about future opportunities and told The Star she has plans to open a new centre in the city with more fitness offerings.
Still, she admitted that it was sad to lose the community herself and so many others have been working to build on Eyre Street.
“It’s a shame because there’s a really great community that’s being built in that building” she added.
“But we were always aware that it was a possibility.”
She went on to say that the city “absolutely” needs similar venues to what The Atrium offers, adding: “These kinds of small independent businesses with all their own takes on what they sell, the whole style of it all and the way they bring everyone together - it’s lovely to see.”