Plans in for transformation of ‘popular’ Victorian building in the heart of Sheffield

The next stage in the development of Sheffield’s Heart of The City II scheme has taken a step forward with plans tabled for the ‘Pepper Pot’ building on Pinstone Street.

The project will look to transform the building, formally known as Block C, with five ground-level retail units and 37,000 sq ft of Grade A office space across the other seven floors.

Subject to approval from the local planning authority, the scheme will retain the Pepper Pot’s Victorian façade while redeveloping and expanding the property behind it.

It will aim to build on the success of the original Heart of the City scheme and form part of the 1.5 million sq ft mixed-use masterplan, approved in March, for the regeneration of the area between Barker’s Pool, the Peace Gardens and The Moor.

Phase one, which was designed by Leonard Design Architects and includes HSBC’s new flagship office, is due to be ready for fit-out early next year.

Phase two will get underway in Spring 2019 and complete by the end of 2020, subject to planning. Proposals for work were presented at public consultation events in September.

Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet Member for Business and Investment, Cllr Mazher Iqbal, said: “During our public consultation in September we received very valuable feedback which we have listened to and used to refine proposals for the Pepper Pot.

“While converting into a mix of retail uses and Grade A offices, we are also retaining the striking Pinstone Street façade so as to preserve as much of the city’s heritage as possible. It is an excellent blend of providing for the future while maintaining vistas of our past.”

He continued: “This development continues the momentum which is seeing the heart of the city changing before our eyes with an innovative mix of retail, residential and office uses as well as stunning public realm improvements that will continue to make Sheffield attractive to businesses and investors.”

Jon Munce, development director at property investment firm Queensberry, commented: “We are delighted to be working with the council on the delivery of Heart of the City II and the progress we are making.

“Bringing forward the first plans since Phase One is a great milestone for the scheme.

He added: “The Pepper Pot building is a popular one in the city centre and we are confident we have delivered a sensitive yet modern design solution for the block.”