Mystery surrounds future of Sheffield Topshop store on Fargate after new plans submitted

A planning application has been submitted to Sheffield City Council to erect one internally illuminated fascia sign and one internally illuminated projecting sign at 33 – 35 Fargate, which is currently home to Topshop and Topman.

Drawings submitted as part of the application reveal the new signage is that of Superdrug Stores, which currently has two shops in Sheffield city centre. It is unknown if they will close.

New entrance doors at the front of the store are also part of the plans.

The application was received on 2 January and is awaiting approval. The consultation, which allows anyone to have their say on the plans, will close on Friday, 31 January. February 27 is listed as the determination deadline, which is the overall deadline for the planning committee to make a decision.

It not also not known when the changeover will take place, if at all, and how long any new lease could last.

News broke this week that other Topshop and Topman shops nationwide are closing.

The brand is owned by the Arcadia Group, which counts Miss Selfridge, Outfit, Dorothy Perkins and Evans among its empire.

But it has endured a difficult year. Problems began in May 2019, when owner Sir Philip Green announced plans to close 23 stores in the UK and Ireland.

An Arcadia spokesperson said it was not aware of the application and the shop was trading as normal.