Council inviting proposals to transform former John Lewis site
Sheffield City Council is inviting interested parties to submit development proposals for the five-storey Barker’s Pool Building in the city centre, formerly home to John Lewis.
The Council has now instructed property experts CBRE to test the market and is inviting high-quality development proposals to be submitted via a two-stage process, initially seeking expressions of interest by the end of June 2022.
Since acquiring the lease of the property from John Lewis in January, the Council has been busy securing the building and commissioning surveys and investigations on the site. Works to remove asbestos and strip out the building will commence in the next few months, with anticipated completion in Spring 2023.
Whilst a recent public consultation on the future of the building showed a preference for demolishing the building and replacing it with a new, smaller building and outdoor space, the Council is keen to ensure that all options are explored – including repurposing the current building.
The Council is encouraging proposals for the site that will add to the vibrancy and popularity of Barker’s Pool, which is home to numerous bars and restaurants, and encourage even more people to visit and enjoy the city centre.
HLM Architects expands studio team
HLM Architects in Sheffield has made a number of appointments and promotions to its studio team. The award-winning practice, which is recognised as one of the industry’s leading employers, has named Anne Daw as head of MMC (Modern Methods of Construction) delivery and appointed six new starters since December who will support on the studio’s environmental, BIM, and landscape work.
Since joining HLM in 2009, Anne has worked across multiple sectors including education, residential and defence where she developed an in-depth knowledge of MMC and led several research and development projects.
As head of MMC delivery, Anne will be responsible for driving HLM’s ongoing integration and implementation of MMC and digital delivery across all studios and sectors as part of its ‘Think: Offsite’ approach.
Delia Harmston, Sheffield studio director, said: “People are at the heart of what we do and we’re always aspiring to create places where they can grow and thrive. Anne is recognised as a leader and innovative thinker within the practice and we’re excited to see her evolve in this new role. We’re also delighted to bring in a number of new individuals who come from a range of backgrounds and have the energy, enthusiasm, and talent to progress in their new roles.”
