Mixed-use Stocksbridge hub in for planning

Proposals for a three-storey building designed by CODA, including a library, café and close to 15,000 sq ft of office space, have been lodged with Sheffield City Council.

Advised by Paul Bedwell Town Planning, the council itself is the applicant for the £20m project, which seeks to put Towns Fund support to work.

Architect CODA has designed the project, which will involve the demolition of the existing library and two other buildings on Manchester Road and their replacement with the hub building, which will also include space for community uses and events.

Also on the professional team are Arup, Rider Levett Bucknall, Optima and landscape designer FPCR.

In its design and access statement, CODA said: “The building will also provide a substantial amount of office space on its upper levels, providing modern open-plan spaces for businesses to occupy, something that Stocksbridge currently lacks.

“This will open new opportunities for businesses to grow and establish Stocksbridge as a legitimate home for enterprise.”

Regarding community uses, the DAS said: “Space for community uses will be included on the ground floor of the building; this will include a café and a flexible community space that can be used for events, meetings, and groups for both the public and the office space within the building.

“These spaces will be connected internally to the library to maintain accessibility and connectivity between the spaces.”

The plans can be viewed on Sheffield’s planning portal with the reference 23/04037/FUL.

The library, cafe and community space will be on the ground floor, with offices above. Credit: planning documents