08 August 2024
S1 Artspace is delighted to announce it has purchased the former Yorkshire Bank Chambers next to Sheffield’s Fitzalan Square as its permanent new home. The Grade II listed building will undergo a complete restoration and expansion to become an ambitious new arts and cultural venue for the city. This significant milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for S1 and Sheffield’s cultural landscape.
In addition, S1 and Sheffield Hallam University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding solidifying a new partnership within this new venture. This agreement builds on a 30-year history of collaboration, reinforcing their joint commitment to supporting artists studying in the city and fostering local talent.
The renovated site will feature spacious public galleries across two floors, showcasing an ambitious programme of new work by local, national, and international artists across the artistic spectrum. Additionally, it will include artist studios, a community and events space, a research centre, a shop profiling local artists and makers, and an independent bar.
Commenting on the projects progress, Louise Hutchinson, Project Director, S1 Artspace said: “This is a monumental step for S1, particularly after the plans at Park Hill were derailed following the financial impact of the pandemic, resulting in the temporary closure of S1’s premises last autumn. Like many cultural venues in Sheffield, S1 has faced significant challenges operating within the commercial rental market. Securing our own premises is a remarkable achievement that allows us to move forward and establish a space that places artistic practice firmly at its core.”
Ryan Mosley, Artist and S1 Trustee, added: “Owning a permanent space in the city centre is a game-changer for S1 and crucial for building a sustainable arts ecosystem in Sheffield. It ensures our long-term commitment to supporting local artists and bringing world-class art to Sheffield. We’re looking forward to being able to re-open our doors soon and welcoming artists and audiences back to S1.”
Through S1 and Sheffield Hallam’s new partnership, they will develop new research-led activity through the dedicated research centre and a public art programme in Fitzalan Square. Commenting on this new development, Professor Liz Mossop, Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, said: “As home to a huge community of creative industries students, graduates, and academics, Sheffield Hallam has a long tradition of forging close links with arts and culture partners across the region. Along with partners such as S1 Artspace, we are proud to be at the centre of the region’s cultural offer.
“Since S1’s foundation by Hallam students and artists in 1995, we’ve seen the positive impact our relationship has had on attracting, nurturing and retaining creative talent in Sheffield. Our new Memorandum of Understanding builds on this and provides some outstanding opportunities to continue our work together.
“Plans for the new S1 Artspace home, close to our flagship Creative Industries Institute building, the former Head Post Office in Fitzalan Square, is further evidence of the city centre developing as a creative hub for the benefit of arts and culture across the city and region.”
The new development will contribute to the wider regeneration of Castlegate, including the redeveloped castle site, which will introduce new public green spaces, celebrate the area’s rich heritage, and open up the River Sheaf.
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “I’m delighted to see S1 Artspace has secured a new home, as part of the regeneration of Castlegate that the City Council are leading. The project, along with Harmony Works, will restore two prominent heritage buildings in the Castlegate area of the city, both of which have stood empty for too long. Thanks to central government funding, these buildings have now been secured for future generations and put culture firmly at the heart of Sheffield’s city centre transformation.”
The historic building, prominently located at the corner of Commercial Street and Haymarket overlooking Fitzalan Square, was built in 1871. It served as the Sheffield Stock Exchange from 1911 for over fifty years before becoming a branch of the Yorkshire Bank in 1967. This branch closed in 2014, and the building has stood vacant since 2017.
Its central location and excellent public transport links will make S1’s new home easily accessible to a broad audience. Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said: “South Yorkshire’s cultural and creative industries are amongst our most valuable assets. They help us understand our past, present and future.
“The cultural arts and heritage sector alone generates £100million each year for South Yorkshire – a huge contribution to our economy. The sector also brings in visitors from far and wide, helps us attract talent and gives our brightest the chance to stay near and go far.
“S1 Artspace’s plan to create a new arts and cultural venue is a brilliant example of the level of our ambition in South Yorkshire. We want to be at the centre of the nation’s cultural conversations, and we need the infrastructure, spaces and sites for our artistic and cultural expression to live up to their fullest potential”.
S1 Artspace will join a growing community of arts and cultural venues in the area, including its close neighbour Harmony Works. Founded by Sheffield Music Academy and Sheffield Music Hub, Harmony Works will be a new music education hub for young musicians, and future home to Music in the Round, Brass Bands England, Orchestras for All, Concerteenies, and The Choir With No Name.
Other nearby cultural venues include Yorkshire Artspace’s Exchange Place Studios, Sheffield Hallam’s Creative Industries Institute, National Videogame Museum, Exchange Street Collective (including Delicious Clam, Bal Fashions, and Plot 22), and Kollider, a co-working space in Castle House for creative industry professionals.
To support the project’s development, S1 will be recruiting new trustees in the coming months and undertaking public consultations. Next steps include detailed planning and design work, and we look forward to sharing more details about the project and public consultation process shortly.
