Developer throws open Cole Brothers doors
Urban Splash, chosen last year to reinvent Sheffield’s landmark former department store, will invite the city’s people inside to view proposals in October.
The firm, also behind the long-term update of the city’s Park Hill estate, said that since its appointment in June last year it has been developing its thinking around how best to sensitively restore the grade two-listed building as a mixed-use space.
The vision includes provision for cafés, restaurants, shops, and leisure facilities. Potentially cultural spaces could play a part, with flexible workspace destined for on upper floors. The project as a whole would, Splash believe, work as a natural extension of the nearby council-led Heart of the City projects.
Three specialist agencies have now been appointed on the project: national agent Smith Young will handle the retail brief, working alongside leisure specialist Starka. Sheffield-based commercial specialist colloco will handle the workplace element.
While stressing that plans are at an early stage, Urban Splash’s Nathan Cornish said: “With these carefully selected agents, we hope to curate a vibrant mix of occupiers who will breathe new life into the building.”
Before plans advance, the public will get its chance to contribute. Across 1 and 2 October, the public will have the chance to explore these plans in a newly created temporary event space within the Cole Bros ground floor, accessible via Barkers Pool, being invited to offer feedback.
Consultation on these plans will also run online.
Splash and the council have also been working with two Sheffield cultural festivals – Sensoria and No Bounds – to present special artworks within the old store, giving members of the public the chance to come inside the building again and experience light and sound installations between 1 October and 13 October
The developer hopes these will be the first in a series of cultural events and activities in the space, and wants to hear from other organisations to get in touch regarding temporary and permanent uses in the building.
Specifically, 1 to 12 October will see the ground floor space host The Light Organ interactive artwork, while between 11 and 13 October No Bounds will host Coles Hidden Corners, by Mark Fell – this will see guided tours of the building’s lesser-seen areas. Advance bookings are required for the latter.
Mark Latham of Urban Splash said: “We are incredibly excited about the future of Cole Brothers, as we honour its past while creating a sustainable space for the future. We know this building holds a special place in the hearts of Sheffield’s residents, and we can’t wait to hear their stories and gather feedback.
“Opening the doors for the first time is a major milestone, and we look forward to sharing our vision along with some incredible installations.”
Next month will also see Urban Splash and its project architect Mikhail Riches hoping for success at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony, the second phase of the redevelopment being shortlisted as a contender for the year’s best building project nationally.
