Blueprint backed for city department store revamp

Plans have been approved for a “milestone” city building transformation.

Urban Splash has secured backing to redevelop Sheffield’s former Cole Brothers department store into a leisure and workspace hub.

Officials say the venture will “restore and reinvigorate the building for a new generation”.

The blueprint includes turning the lower ground and ground floors at the grade II-listed Barker’s Pool site – which closed in 2022 – into leisure, entertainment, food, drink and retail space, with its upper floors converted into flexible workspace.

It also features proposals to create a rooftop terrace, with an existing plant room repurposed as a restaurant or bar with outside space.

Sian Stanhope, development manager at Manchester-headquartered regeneration firm Urban Splash, which is working alongside architect AHMM on the endeavour, said: “This paves the way for bringing this much-loved building back into use.

“We understand the significance of Cole Brothers, and at the heart of our proposal is a commitment to re-establishing it as a place for the city.”

Councillor Ben Miskell, chair of the transport, regeneration and climate policy committee at Sheffield City Council, added: “The former Cole Brothers building holds a special place in the hearts of many residents.

“We welcome plans that will sensitively restore and reinvigorate it for a new generation.”

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