‘Much-loved' Sheffield artwork to stay despite Heart of the City II development

Sheffield Council confirmed the William Mitchell frieze on Barkers Pool House along Burgess Street will be ‘safely removed and relocated’ – and councillor Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for business and investment, has said it will ‘be part of the new development’.

An exact location for its reinstallation has not yet been decided. The Council’s preference is the new or refurbished buildings on the Block A site, which covers the Peace Gardens, Barkers Pool, City Hall, Sheffield Town Hall and Laycock House. Alternatively, a different location within the Heart of the City II scheme would be preferable.

A consultation has begun on the latest part of the development, which will give people the opportunity to submit their views on where the artwork should be reinstalled and the development as a whole. Plans for the site include the demolition of Barkers Pool House to make way for a Radisson Blu hotel.

Specialist contractors have been appointed to safely remove the frieze.

Cllr Iqbal said: “We know the William Mitchell frieze is a much-loved piece of artwork that reflects the quirky, creative character of our city, and that’s why we’re ensuring that it is carefully removed and stored safely before work begins on the site.

“We are working to identify the right location to showcase the piece going forward. Whilst we are keen that it remains on its original site as part of the new building, and this is our preference, we will also consider relocating it to another prominent location within the Heart of the City II scheme if this isn’t possible.

A 3D scan of the frieze has recently been captured to make a record of the artwork in its original place. The artist, William Mitchell, passed away aged 94 in January. A tribute to him said he “produced a multitude of cement-sculptured masterpieces in the 1960s and 70s.”

Cllr Iqbal added: “The consultation on our proposals for the area is open, so please do get in touch and let us know what you think.”