Funding bid to secure NUM building redevelopment in Sheffield

Efforts to ensure the £5 million redevelopment of the former National Union of Mineworkers building in Sheffield city centre goes ahead are picking up pace.
NUM building artists impression Quest Property BarnsleyNUM building artists impression Quest Property Barnsley
NUM building artists impression Quest Property Barnsley

The landmark building on Holly Street, next to the City Hall, will be converted into offices and three ground floor restaurants.

In August Barnsley-based developers Quest Property said they had been earmarked for a loan for the revamp by the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership.

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It is understood that the final elements of this loan are about to signed off - however, Sheffield Council leader Coun Julie Dore has now approved a separate, £1.1 million grant from the Government’s Growing Places fund.

The repayable funding injection is aimed at making sure the project - in one of the most high-profile locations in Sheffield city centre - is completed. Work, including the construction of a large conservatory, is set to last a year. The building has been empty for 25 years.

A report to Coun Dore said: “By the council accessing and making funding available and guaranteeing the loan the comprehensive refurbishment of this prominent building, which is currently vacant and unused, can take place and bring the building back into active use.

“A high-quality refurbishment of this landmark building will send strong signals that the city is progressing and delivering key projects.”

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The report added: “The office element of the project will address existing and persistent market failure in the city centre office sector. There is constant demand for high quality space but lack of available supply due to relatively low rental values and significant costs making development unviable.

“Once the refurbishment works are completed and the building is fully let it will accommodate approximately 130 office jobs andcreate up to 90 leisure jobs.

“The refurbished building will also generate new business rates income from the units created.”

The report also warned: “If the council does not secure and provide the funding and underwrite the loan then the funding package put together by Quest for the development will be lost.”

The building opened in 1988 when the NUM relocated its headquarters from London to Sheffield. It moved again, to Barnsley, when the mining industry declined.