Fargate cultural community hub application given the go-ahead

The planning application for Event Central, a mixed-use cultural community hub on Fargate, has been approved.

Event Central is a regeneration project commissioned by Sheffield City Council and funded through the Future High Streets Fund, which will see the refurbishment of the existing vacant building at 20-26 on Fargate.

Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Co-Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: "The approval is another exciting step in creating this vibrant and cultural space for the people of Sheffield."

Formally solely used as a ground floor retail space, Event Central will see all five floors and the basement opened up to create a community and commercial space - showcasing Sheffield’s talent with events, shows, exhibitions, workshops and talks.

The mixed-use space will also benefit from co-working spaces, a café/juice bar and a 200-capacity standing music venue.

Councillor Iqbal said: “This transformation will be a crucial part of our vision for Fargate and the whole city centre - unlocking all the potential Sheffield has to offer.

“As part of the wider Future High Streets Fund project, pocket parks will be introduced through Fargate, using the design skills and knowledge gained through the Grey to Green scheme.”

The proposed future of Fargate

Sheffield City Council successfully bid for £15.8m in funding in 2021 and the funding requires plans to be delivered by March 2024.

Professor Vanessa Toulmin, Director of City and Culture, University of Sheffield and member of Sheffield’s Future High Street Fund Stakeholder Panel, said: "Delighted to hear we are another step closer to providing this vital event space.

“The University of Sheffield has worked with multiple stakeholders and partners on behalf of the Council to ensure that this prominent central space has the potential to benefit both the vibrancy of the city itself as well as the vibrancy of the cultural sector." 

The Council is currently seeking an operator committed to successfully developing and managing Event Central, as well as taking a lead on the regeneration of the wider Fargate area.

For more information on the Future High Streets Fund and plans for Fargate, visit: http://welcometosheffield.co.uk/fhsf