Sheffield's iconic John Lewis building is set to undergo a major transformation, with plans for a mixed-use development that will breathe new life into the city center. The former department store, a Grade II-listed building, has been vacant for five years, posing a risk of long-term decay. Urban Splash, the company behind the redevelopment of Park Hill flats, aims to create a versatile space adaptable for various uses, including shops, cafes, offices, and a rooftop garden with a car park. The proposal is to be decided by councillors next week, who are advised to approve it due to the building's current state of neglect.
The ground floor will feature shops and food and drink outlets, accessible from Cambridge Street and Barker's Pool. The upper floors will be converted into offices. One of the key features is the adaptation of the old rooftop plant room into a food or drink venue with an outdoor terrace, providing a new public access point to the roof via a separate entrance off Cambridge Street. The basement and lower ground floor will be opened up, offering flexibility to create larger or smaller spaces. The existing car park will be revitalized, reducing the original 480 spaces to 190, with designated areas for office workers and visitors.
The William Mitchell frieze will be strategically placed along Burgess Street, near its original location. The building, designed by the renowned post-war British modernist firm Yorke, Rosenberg and Mardall, opened in 1963, reflecting a high level of architectural skill and ambition. It played a significant role in Sheffield's post-war commercial optimism. However, the building has been an eyesore in the city center since John Lewis' departure in 2021, with all internal features stripped out, leaving only the lifts and escalator. Despite this, it was granted listed status in 2022 by Historic England, which means any redevelopment must adhere to conservation constraints.
Heritage groups initially objected to the removal of brown mosaic tiles and new windows, but planning officers assured that a revised plan retains as much of the exterior as possible, with modern windows that complement the building's original design. The report emphasizes the project's transformative impact on the city center, stating that bringing the building back into use is a fundamental part of the regeneration scheme, offering significant public benefit. The decision on the plans will be made by Sheffield City Council members at a meeting on Tuesday, March 10th.
