Council proposes £1.4 million development of Orchard Square and The Montgomery

Plans have been announced to enhance and redevelop parts of Orchard Square and The Montgomery in the city centre as part of the ongoing changes to Fargate and High Street.

The plans will look to enhance the two local businesses including the installation of canopies in Orchard Square allowing it to play host to a year-round programme of outdoor events as well as converting vacant upper floors to housing.

The funding towards The Montgomery Theatre would redevelop the 136 year old building so its public areas are fully accessible for the first time and open up currently unused top floor spaces.

Sarah Sharp, Director of the Montgomery Theatre, said: “This Future High Street funding would be transformational for the Montgomery, it would allow us to reach more audiences than we ever have before and ensure that no audience member is excluded from our venue.”

In the report prepared for a finance sub-committee meeting next week, they said: “These grants will result in job creation, new homes and increased opportunities for outdoor events and visitors to the City Centre. Outcomes will contribute to delivering the objectives of the Future High Streets Fund vision for Fargate and High Street.”

£650,000 of the total amount is for the open space enhancement of Orchard Square and £340,000 to convert the vacant spaces in the upper levels. 

The council said that without the grant, the owners would not have undertaken the proposed work. The grant will secure private sector investment and deliver eight new apartments.

The proposed £495,000 grant for The Montgomery is part of the council’s wilder ambitions to make The Montgomery Yorkshire’s leading arts centre for children and young people.

Councillors are set to approve this at a meeting on Monday, November 7 from 2pm.

Cllr Mazher Iqbal, Co-Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: “Fargate, the High Street and surrounding streets have long been waiting for much-needed investment to kick start pride and interest in the area.

“This latest round of investments, if approved, will help revitalise the area, encourage people back into the city centre and provide community facilities to benefit everyone.”

To read the full agenda for the finance sub committee meeting and find the link to watch the live webcast, visit: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=649&MId=8310