Willmott Dixon to deliver 20,000 sq ft Sheffield landmark
Designed by Enjoy Design, Event Central will repurpose a former retail building on Fargate into a music venue and workspace owned by Sheffield City Council.
Part of the Heart of the City development, the wider project team for the £14.4m project includes structural engineer Eastwood & Partners.
Expected to start by the end of August and complete in autumn 2026, works will include structural alterations to create an atrium that spans up to the first floor, strengthening works to accommodate revised loadings, changes to the façade, and a fit-out of both the music venue and workspace.
The music venue will be able to accommodate 200 people, and will include a bar area on the ground floor.
The four storeys above will have co-working spaces and meeting rooms.
Chris Yates, Yorkshire director at Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re delighted to play our part in the regeneration of Fargate, creating a space designed to empower this city’s boundless creativity.
“We will ensure creating opportunities for the local community is at the heart of this project.
“Willmott Dixon, alongside its supply chain partners, is set to deliver 300 hours of employment support to residents, creating two new employment opportunities for local people who are not in education, employment or training.
“We will also support 75 weeks of apprenticeship training for young people and volunteer upwards of 150 hours in support of local organisations.”
Cllr Ben Miskell, chair of the transport, regeneration and climate policy committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield is home to some legendary venues, known across the country and we want Event Central to be added to that list.
“The transformation of the building into this fantastic space will take place right before people’s eyes and will cap off the end of the regeneration of Fargate.”
