Capital&Centric submit first stage plans for Cannon Brewery district in Sheffield’s Neepsend

Initial plans for a new urban district in Sheffield’s Neepsend have been submitted by social impact developers Capital&Centric.

They’ve lodged outline plans with Sheffield City Council to overhaul the derelict industrial Cannon Brewery site. The blueprint is being developed in stages, with the aim to deliver a bold vision for a city centre district that stitches itself into the character of the surrounding area.

Nestled alongside the homes will be workplaces and spaces for independent shops, delis and café-bars, creating opportunities for local indie operators and new start-ups. A lush, green urban park will surround the water tower, whilst on Boyland Street a new public square surrounded by cafes and shops will be the perfect space for pop-up events, performers and installations.

The expansive Cannon Brewery site is seen as massive opportunity to grow Sheffield’s city centre into in sustainable way, with high-end architecture sparking the renaissance of the industrial area around Neepsend. It’s a chance to bring more people to the area and deliver new homes without displacing existing businesses.

Richard Spackman, development director at Capital&Centric, said: “We’ve set out to make Cannon Brewery a standout community that draws people to Sheffield – one that respects and reflects back the industrial heritage of Neepsend. It’s a really challenging site to work on, but we’re progressing at pace because we see such pent-up potential.

“We want the end goal to be that Cannon Brewery becomes Sheffield’s best address … a city centre district where people not only want to live, but spend their weekends, hang out with mates or locate their start-up business.”

Once home to Stones Brewery, the site, made up of two triangular plots bordered by Neepsend Lane and Boyland St - was the birthplace of the UK’s best-selling bitter at the time, before the doors closed for good in 1999. The place has been empty ever since and has become a magnet for street artists.

The submission follows a packed out consultation event at the neighbouring Heist Brew Co. that kick-started the conversation about Cannon Brewery. The positive session saw people voice support for transforming the site; as well as calls for use of greenery; a mix of homes; and a focus on securing a mix of independent operators to give the community a distinctly local vibe.

Capital&Centric are already underway at other sites in Sheffield. Their Eyewitness Works community near the city’s Devonshire Quarter is currently starring every week in the Channel 4 design series ‘The Big Interiors Battle’.

Their previous successes including communities including Kampus and Crusader in Manchester. They’re also venturing into the suburbs with Neighbourhood™ their first fully new build project planned to get going in Bolton.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily