Proposals to revive historic Leah’s Yard on Cambridge Street and create a social hub for creative independent businesses have been approved.
Submitted in July by Sheffield City Council and its Strategic Development Partner, Queensberry, the plans are the latest to be approved as part of Sheffield’s transformational Heart of the City development scheme.
The Grade II* Listed Leah’s Yard off Cambridge Street – formerly a collection of small industrial workshops – has long been listed on Historic England’s ‘Building at Risk’ register. Preliminary structural and roof work is soon to be completed, bringing the building back into a safe and workable condition.
The approved plans, designed by architect FCBStudios, will see the existing complex refurbished largely in its current form. A bustling central public courtyard will be surrounded by small boutique shops, while the first and second floors will host around 20 independent working studios.
Sympathetic new-build structures will adjoin the southern side of the development, greatly improving pedestrian access between the central courtyard and Backfields.
Andrew Davison, Project Director at Queensberry, added:“Planning approval is an important milestone. We would like to thank everyone involved in the scheme and also those who have taken the time to share their comments on the proposals. We now look forward to the next phase of appointing a construction contractor and bringing the Leah’s Yard vision to life.”
