Sheffield: New independent retail hub opens its doors

A new retail hub opens today in Sheffield as a key part of the city centre redevelopment plans.

Grade II listed Leah’s Yard on Cambridge Street will offer a contemporary hub for a range of independent businesses.

The opening of hub is seen as the final piece of the jigsaw for Heart of the City project, Sheffield City Council said.

Ben Miskell, chair of the council’s transport, regeneration and climate policy committee, said the area had once played a “vital role” in the city’s industrial past and would once again be able to “contribute to Sheffield’s future”.

The regeneration of the former industrial workshops saw it removed from Historic England’s Buildings at Risk register last year.

The council said it was the “jewel in the crown” of the Heart of the City scheme, which is led by the city council and their strategic development partner, Queensbury.

The ground floor of Leah’s Yard incorporates a range of retail and food and drink businesses, including a book shop, a florist, a market farm shop and a craft chocolate café and bar.

Meanwhile, the upper floors of Leah’s Yard provide a home to a network of businesses including a barber and a group of creative companies and freelancers.

Mr Miskell added: “Having brought this part of the city back to life through our outstanding Heart of the City programme, Leah’s Yard represents the icing on the cake alongside Pound’s Park, Cambridge Street Collective and Elshaw House.”

Sheffield artist, Pete McKee, also revealed his highly anticipated new gallery on the Cambridge Street side of the development.

Mr McKee said previously: “I wanted to move to the city centre to help be a part of our beautiful city’s new beginning.”

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