Park cafe refurbishment could cost £2m

The cafe is much loved in Sheffield and was originally built in 1927

A park cafe which was under threat of demolition could cost £2m to fully repair, a council has said.

The much-loved Rose Garden Cafe in Graves Park in Sheffield closed suddenly in 2022 due to fears of structural problems but reopened inside in August.

Councillors agreed to renovate the site in late 2023 following a community campaign to save it.

According to Sheffield City Council, the figure of £2m for repair costs is an "initial estimate" which could change as plans are developed.

The future of the cafe, which last month reopened to customers seated indoors for the first time in more than two years, is being planned by a partnership between Sheffield City Council, the Friends of Graves Park and the Save the Rose Garden Cafe campaign.

The building, originally built in 1927, was closed suddenly by the council in July 2022 because of fears of structural problems that could have endangered public safety.

However, an independent structural survey has established the roof is safe and only the front wall needs major work to stop it leaning.

A report to the council’s charity trustee sub-committee next Monday states the estimated £2m cost is based on the partnership’s brief, the needs of the cafe operator and the result of public consultation work.

The cafe opened in August after being shut for two years

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the report states: "This initial cost estimate is subject to change and will increase in accuracy as the delivery team develop the co-ordinated café design, which is a key next step towards a restored and refurbished café, alongside raising funds.”

The partnership has enough funding for an initial architect’s design and going ahead will "unlock further funding" for the detailed design and construction works, the committee also report says.

The partnership also aims to secure National Heritage Lottery funding and other financial backing for the full renovation work to take place.

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