Urban Splash has secured planning approval to revive Sheffield’s landmark Cole Brothers department store, kick-starting the transformation of one of the city centre’s most prominent vacant buildings.

The Grade II-listed 1963 building at Barker’s Pool will be converted into a mixed-use destination combining leisure, food and drink, retail and flexible workspace under plans designed by AHMM.

Urban Splash was selected by Sheffield City Council to lead the revival of the landmark building, which closed in 2022 after nearly six decades as one of the city’s best-known department stores.

Under the approved plans, the lower ground and ground floors will be turned into leisure, entertainment, food, drink and retail space aimed at creating a lively new destination in the heart of the city.

Upper levels of the building will be converted into flexible office accommodation designed to support Sheffield’s growing business community.

A rooftop venue will also be created by converting the existing plant room into a restaurant or bar with an external terrace. The space will be accessed through the building’s main lift core.

Urban Splash development manager Sian Stanhope said the scheme would also open up the Barker’s Pool and Cambridge Street frontages to allow outdoor dining areas.

Over the past year the building has hosted temporary events and meanwhile uses including BBC Sounds, the Crossed Wires Festival, Jarvis Cocker appearances and the FORM careers fair.

Urban Splash is now seeking occupiers for the scheme.

Head of commercial lettings Richard Lace said: “Planning approval means we can move forward with discussions with occupiers, engaging with likeminded organisations who want to be a part of bringing Cole Brothers back to life.”