Sheffield: Contractor chosen for social hub after project delays

The council said the hub would offer a "unique space" for people in the city

A lead contractor has been chosen to transform a city centre building into a mixed-use cultural community hub.

Sheffield City Council was awarded £15.8m from the government's Future High Streets Fund to regenerate the city's Fargate area in 2020.

However, rising costs meant delays to the project which includes community hub Event Central and improvements to the pedestrianised shopping area.

The council has appointed firm Willmott Dixon to deliver Event Central.

The existing vacant buildings at 20-26 Fargate could feature a café and juice bar and a standing music venue once refurbished.

It said the contractors are expected to be on site in January 2025 after other works in Fargate have been completed.

The council said it hopes the hub could open in early 2026.

Work includes improvements to the pedestrianised shopping area

Ben Miskell, Chair of the transport, regeneration and climate committee said Event Central would offer "a unique space" for city residents.

Mr Miskell said: "We know that Sheffield is packed with talent, and this will be the perfect place to showcase it, attracting thousands of visitors a year.

"The transformation will also be a crucial part of our vision for Fargate, which is currently undergoing a transformation as part of a huge regeneration of the city centre."

The council was initially required to deliver the regeneration in Fargate by March 2024 but received an extension from the government until 2026.