Preparation work is due to start on this lottery-funded development in Sheffield next week

Last week, Age UK Sheffield got the go-ahead from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to begin the transformation work of the Old Coach House in Hillsborough Park, after signing the lease with Sheffield City Council.

Age UK Sheffield chief executive, Steve Chu, said: “We are excited that this project is finally getting under way, and were really pleased to choose a local construction company to carry out this work.

"We have liaised with Creative and Sheffield City Council to ensure the Walled Garden remains accessible to the public while the redevelopment is taking place over the next few months. I can’t wait to see the restored buildings.”

Once converted, the Potting Shed will be used to provide dementia-friendly activities from crafting and woodwork to gardening and sewing.

Sheffield charity gets go-ahead to start redevelopment of unused Grade II-listed building

Cllr Bob Johnson, leader of Sheffield City Council, added: “After years of hard work to get to this stage, it’s fantastic that work will now start on site. Hillsborough Park is a real gem not just for the local community but citywide, and this development will really take it to the next level.

"It’s a brilliant example of partners and local organisations working together to benefit the city and will make a difference to so many people’s lives.

"I can’t wait to see this vision take shape and finally become a reality.”

It was reported in December 2018 that the Sheffield charity were granted £50,000 from the National Heritage Lottery Fund to turn the unused Grade II-listed building into a dementia-friendly cafe.

Sheffield-based construction firm, Creative Building Projects Ltd, has been chosen to deliver the project to turn the Coach House into a community café.

Chris Burley, managing director of Creative Building Projects, said: “It’s with great pride that Creative has been chosen to undertake this local development and restoration project for the new Age UK Sheffield Community Café and activity centre at Hillsborough Park. We are looking forward to using our skills and knowledge to restore these grade 2 listed buildings back to their former glory and seeing them put into such a good use.”

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