Optimism renewed after Fargate regeneration

A South Yorkshire high street is showing signs of revival following major investment and regeneration.

Businesses on Sheffield’s Fargate have welcomed a £14.4 million transformation project which included new paving, benches and pocket parks. 

Footfall on the street has risen by more than a third in March, with traders reporting a more vibrant atmosphere. 

New arrivals include Boots Opticians, following a £600,000 refit of the former Paperchase store, as well as alternative fashion retailer Blue Banana.

David Blenkinsop, franchise owner at Boots, said: “I am really pleased with the footfall so far.

“This is a busy part of Sheffield; it has changed over the last year and there are always people on Fargate now.

“We are picking up new customers, the refurbishment of Fargate is definitely drawing in new business.”

Lindsay Tierney-Quigley, manager of long-standing store Hotel Chocolat, added: “Footfall has gone up significantly compared to what it was.

“Our customers are a lot happier as well, now the work is complete.

“It feels like we have got our community back.”

Meanwhile, work is progressing on The Fargate, a £1 million redevelopment of the former Yorkshire Bank building by Thornbridge Brewery and York-based Pivovar. 

Set to open this autumn, the new pub will feature a full interior renovation and outdoor seating for up to 200 people, aiming to bring new life to the heart of the street.

Simon Webster, co-founder and chief executive of Thornbridge Brewery, added: “I'm Sheffield born and raised, so the city means a lot to me and to see the work being put in to revitalise Fargate is wonderful.

“I’m really pleased to be playing a part in what should be a great city centre.”

The street’s historic thoroughfare Chapel Walk has also seen scaffolding removed, new shopfronts installed, and funding awarded as part of the ReNew Sheffield scheme to support independent retailers.

Further ahead, Event Central – a £7 million cultural venue operated by the Creative Arts Development Space (CADS) – is set to open on Fargate in 2026.

Diane Jarvis, operations manager at Sheffield Business Improvement District (BID), which has been lobbying for improvements to revitalise Fargate for years, said this was just the start of an exciting new chapter for the area.

She added: “We’ve continued to champion the vision from the Future of Fargate report, and it’s encouraging to see major investment now unlocking Fargate’s potential.

“This transformation is more than cosmetic.

“It lays the groundwork for a more dynamic, inclusive, and economically resilient city centre that can attract new occupiers and meet the evolving needs of businesses, residents, and visitors alike.”

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