Sheffield mural brings colour to city centre

A community-led art project is bringing new energy to a landmark building in Sheffield.

The former Cole Brothers building, owned by Sheffield City Council and due for redevelopment by Urban Splash, now features a bold new mural by local artist Kid Acne. 

The artwork spans the site’s car park and has been funded by the Friends of Sheffield City Centre (FoSCC) with support from Urban Splash, adding a striking landmark as part of a wider programme of community-led initiatives.

The project was championed by local resident and FoSCC member Bridget Ingle, who worked with planning consultants Made it Together to secure listed building consent for the Grade II-listed location. 

Bridget said: “After much hard work, I’m absolutely thrilled to see this colourful artwork come to life.    

“Street art murals are widely appreciated and valued by people in Sheffield, and with Kid Acne – an established local artist who truly understands and respects the culture of this art form – it’s been a joy to create something that breathes new life into our city’s streetscape.”  

Urban Splash has a long history of collaborating with Kid Acne, previously commissioning work at Park Hill to reinforce the neighbourhood’s creative identity.

Sian Stanhope, development manager at Urban Splash, added: “Celebrating art and supporting artists has always been central to what we do – helping communities connect with regeneration in a more meaningful way. 

“Sheffield has such a strong creative spirit, and it’s a privilege to be part of projects like this that reflect and build on that legacy. 

“Coles has a long-standing connection to the arts. 

“The building’s original architects, Yorke, Rosenberg and Mardall, incorporated numerous pieces of artwork, and in this context, Ed’s mural aligns with the ethos of the original architects. 

“Its text-based design also complements their modernist approach, reflecting influences from the Bauhaus movement.” 

Kid added: “I’m grateful to be invited to paint something on part of such an iconic building in the centre of Sheffield. 

“I created a design I feel complements the unusual composition of the concrete elevation. 

“By wrapping the text around the corner of Cross Burgess Street, my intention is to invite the viewer to a specific viewpoint where the work can be read in a single instance, and to perhaps take a moment to reflect on their own journey and alignment, whatever that might be. 

“The arrows represent the different directions each of us are heading, which celebrates the diversity of the city. 

“I would also encourage people to take a moment to appreciate the incredible, historic backdrop, which I look forward to seeing returned to its former glory. 

“Thank you to Friends of Sheffield City Centre for the opportunity.” 

The mural will remain in place as part of the meanwhile activation of the site, bringing colour and vibrancy to the area as regeneration plans continue to move forward.

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