Sheffield proposes cultural reshuffle
On the table: a plan to transform the historic Central Library and Graves Gallery on Surrey Street into a destination art gallery, with library and archive services moving to a reworked Millennium Gallery.
A report going to Sheffield City Council’s strategy and resources policy committee on 11 November identifies this as the preferred option for what to do with the services, with a decision required on the listed Surrey Street building’s future.
In short, the building faces significant challenges around its condition, ageing infrastructure and accessibility. Officers report that there is no viable minimum-compliance solution which would both address the building’s fundamental problems and provide the accessibility improvements required.
Members will be asked to consider the findings of a detailed feasibility study – originally signed off in December 2023 – into the future options, and asked to make a decision as to whether the preferred course should proceed to a more detailed design stage.
Although nothing is set in stone yet, the project could cost up to £180m, with estimates that the full proposed works at Surrey Street could come in at £125m to £135m, and the Millennium Gallery adding up to a possible £45m more.
Cllr Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield has a fantastic cultural and civic heritage, and we want to be ambitious about its future. These are buildings and services that generations of Sheffield residents know and love, so it is important that we get their future right.
“The feasibility work has given us the clearest picture yet of what is possible. It has looked carefully at a range of options and identified a preferred way forward that could secure the future of the historic Surrey Street building, create an outstanding home for the Graves Gallery and give our Central Library and City Archives the modern, accessible home they deserve.
“We value this historic building and remain committed to looking after it. Taking the time to get its long-term future right must not mean allowing it to fall into neglect. The proposals will now go before councillors, and if they agree they should be developed further, we will continue to work with residents, users and partners as the plans take shape.”
SCC has worked with locally based research firm KADA on the study.
The feasibility study considered a range of options, looking at costs, deliverability and potential social, cultural and economic benefits. The options were assessed against the HM Treasury Green Book Five Case Model.
In all, four models were considered. Of these, one restricted the project to access improvements at Surrey Street, one was for everything to be located at Surrey Street, and finally, ore similar to the preferred option, the Millennium Gallery would also continue as a gallery, meaning two potentially complementary venues.
The preferred option and next steps
The proposals would create two distinct but complementary cultural destinations in the city centre, while securing a long-term future for the grade two-listed Surrey Street building.
Under the preferred option, the Graves Gallery would essentially expand to occupy all of the Surrey Street building. The initial concepts include a new level-access main entrance from Tudor Square and improved access throughout. A rooftop sculpture garden is also a possibility.
Meanwhile, the Millennium Gallery building on Arundel Gate would be transformed into a new home for the library and civic archives. The vision includes expanded facilities for children and families and flexible spaces for study, learning, exhibitions, events and community activity.
Permission is sought for £100,000 from SCC’s workforce reserve to fund initial development of a business case.
Should the committee agree to progress the preferred option, the next stage would include development of the option, work on costs, funding, delivery and procurement, and plans for continued stakeholder and public engagement.
This would then return to the committee in 2027 for further consideration.
