Shock over plans to demolish much loved Sheffield yoga studio

Developers Grantside want to demolish 1960s buildings at the junction of Charles Street and Norfolk Street and erect an office complex called the C-N Tower.

Residents living in apartments in the historic St Paul’s Chambers, Berona House and Waterhouse on Pinstone Street are among those who have objected but there has also been an outcry from clients at Unity Yoga.

The studio operates from one of the blocks which are earmarked for demolition.

Customers from across the city are upset. One person from Nether Edge said: “It is truly heartbreaking to even consider the destruction of the building that is home to Unity Yoga.

“Unity Yoga helped me meet so many amazing people from all over the city when I first moved here and has given me access to a fabulous support network of friends.

“It is a community space that benefits the wellbeing of people all over the city both directly and indirectly.

“We are so unbelievably lucky to have this community space and all of the dedicated staff that call this studio their home. It is a livelihood for its staff and a lifeline to the community. Please do not demolish this.”

Another person from Woodseats said: “Unity Yoga is very popular, the owners have worked extremely hard to create a fantastic, widely loved studio with a great community.

“As a young person, they have provided me with so many opportunities to expand my yoga practice and it would be a real loss to see them go.”

A Norton customer added: “Unity Yoga is a wonderful business that has created a wonderful sense of community. I also disagree that we need office space as most people work from home.”

And a Crookes resident said: “Demolishing the building housing Unity Yoga will have a negative impact on not only a small business that has survived through a pandemic, but a lot of people’s lives and mental health.”

Planning officers are still considering the application, which can be viewed here