Public consultation to shape future arts hub

An arts charity has asked the public to share their opinions on plans to restore and repurpose a former bank

A public consultation will be held on plans to transform a former Sheffield bank into an arts centre.

Charity S1 Artspace, which provides studio space for creatives and stages exhibitions, hopes to transform the former Yorkshire Bank in Castlegate into its first permanent home.

Director Louise Hutchinson said: "This is about more than simply restoring a building - it's about reclaiming a piece of Sheffield's history and giving it a new purpose and future."

The consultation will be held inside the Grade II listed building on 24- 25 October.

Built in 1871 as Sheffield's main General Post Office, the venue later functioned as the Sheffield Stock Exchange for more than 50 years.

It was then taken over by Yorkshire Bank, with the branch open until 2014.

'Shape what happens next'

This would be the first opportunity for the public to enter and explore the building since its closure.

Attendees will be able to see original features, view the architect's plans and share their views to help shape the final designs.

"This isn't just our project - it's Sheffield's," said Ms Hutchinson.

"We want people who live, work and create here to be part of shaping what happens next."

Initial designs include the restoration of the building and the installation of public galleries, workspaces, a shop and an independent basement bar.

The plans have been drawn up by London-based architectural practice Carmody Groarke.

The information gathered at the consultation will inform the planning application which will be put to Sheffield City Council early next year.

The project is part-funded by the government's Gateway to Sheffield Levelling Up Fund and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

It forms part of the wider Castlegate regeneration scheme which includes the establishment of a new educational centre for young musicians and the creation of a public park in the former Sheffield Castle grounds.

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