There are plans to create a new space for makers to create their art in this Grade II* listed building in Sheffield city centre

Leah’s Yard, which sits on Cambridge Street, within Sheffield Council’s £470 million Heart of the City II development scheme, houses a number of small, former industrial workshops.

Although plans are still in the early stages, the council and its strategic development partner Queensberry, have said they wish to maintain the site’s unique character and would like to provide new maker space for the city’s current and next creative generations.

Coun Mazher Iqbal, council cabinet member for business and investment, said: “We are attempting to retain attractive heritage across the Heart of the City II site, while ensuring we create exciting new spaces that are beneficial and sustainable to the local economy.

“With some of the most interesting architecture in the city centre, this block was always going to be one of the most challenging and rewarding in the city masterplan.

“Bringing Leah’s Yard back to its former glory is something high on our list of priorities.”

The project team will be inviting bids toward the end of March from interested organisations who may wish to occupy and manage the spaces.

In the meantime, listed building consent is being sought to undertake the fundamental construction works to bring the building back into a usable condition.

George Wilson, associate at scheme architect Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, said: “Our approach recognises the significance of the buildings on Cambridge Street, including the Grade II*-listed Leah’s Yard, and the story they tell of how the area has developed over time.

“By celebrating and working with the existing fabric we will create a place that is distinctly ‘of Sheffield’, but also reflects Sheffield’s bold and forward-looking ambition in which a new context will be created for the old.”

The council has been working closely with heritage interest groups in the city.

They have been discussing design and usage ideas, and all feedback is being considered in the evolving plans for Leah’s Yard and wider Cambridge Street site.