Work to begin on major expansion project for Emmaus Sheffield
Work will begin in the new year on a major expansion of city homelessness charity Emmaus Sheffield.
Based in the historic Sipelia Works - a Grade II listed 19th century former cutlery works that dates back to the 1850s and the height of the Industrial Revolution - Emmaus Sheffield is the working community with quality, self-contained accommodation, training facilities and a workspace for previously homeless people aged 18 years and over.
It aims through its Social Enterprise programme to provide meaningful work and enable the people it supports - known as companions - to eventually become self-supporting once more.
Following approval by Sheffield Council’s Planning Committee, and the granting of Listed Building Consent, work will start in early 2027 on the conversion of a currently derelict wing of the historic site, overlooking Sheffield Canal.
The project will take the number of self-contained rooms available to companions from 18 to 26, including two special ‘moving on’ apartments for companions who are preparing for a return to public life and work.
The development, which should be completed in late 2027 or early 2028, will also include bathing facilities and a new kitchen, created specifically to cope with the growing number of companions.
“This is a major advance for Emmaus Sheffield and one that reflects the increasingly high demand for our services,” said the charity’s Chair of Trustees, Carl Dray.
“It was always our intention to make maximum use of this unique and historic site and we can’t wait to see work begin.
“It is never easy working within the confines of a listed building and we are delighted that both Sheffield Council and the National Heritage List for England have seen how our proposals will not only preserve this important piece of Sheffield’s industrial heritage but also give it a new and important future life.”
For further information about Emmaus Sheffield and how to get involved with the charity visit emmaus-sheffield.org.uk