Funding boost to transform ex-bank into arts hub
South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral AuthorityAn arts project in Sheffield has been awarded £1m to revamp a former city centre bank building.
The funding meant the empty Grade II listed former Yorkshire Bank Chambers in Fitzalan Square could be transformed into a new home for non-profit organisation S1 Artspace, according to South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
The arts charity had originally planned to build new art studios at its former base in Park Hill, but that was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Louise Hutchinson, strategic director of S1 Artspace, said the additional funding was "an important step towards realising our vision" for the organisation's new base.
The project forms part of the government's £20m Levelling Up Fund.
'Cultural investment'
It was announced last year that the renovated bank building would feature two floors of public galleries showcasing new works by local, national and international artists.
It would also include artist studios, a community and events space, a research centre, a shop profiling local artists and makers and an independent bar, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The building, which has stood empty for more than a decade, was previously awarded a grant of £50,000 in 2024 to develop the project's business case for the scheme.
S1 Artspace was also given a £10,000 Project Viability Grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund to ensure that architectural and historical features were preserved.
Ms Hutchinson said: "The support from SYMCA and the Architectural Heritage Fund demonstrates the confidence in our plans and the importance of cultural investment in the region."
Repair work by heritage specialists began in February to ensure the structural integrity of the site, make it water-tight and remove outdated interior alterations.
Once that work was completed, a public consultation would be launched and the public would be able to share their views, the mayor's office said.
Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North