Every city goes through periods of time where development is halted or delayed. Unfortunately Sheffield has seen a lot of this, waiting over ten years to see the beginning of the New Retail Quarter. These times mean Compulsory Purchase Orders leave many buildings empty and unused. Temporary projects fill these voids and keep the city centre vibrant. ReNew Sheffield is an initiative set up two years ago and led by Sheffield University to encourage growth in meanwhile uses, pop-ups, temporary and entrepreneurial start-ups in order to improve the vibrancy of areas of the city centre waiting to be developed, and to help small businesses to grow. ReNew is supported by Sheffield City Council, Sheffield BID, Wake Smith Solicitors, Sheffield Hallam University and The University of Sheffield.
So far many projects have been funded by ReNew, there are five specific ones in the city centre that are now operating on a temporary basis. They are start-up businesses and they need the support of the public. Again, as Christmas creeps upon us it’s important to realise that this is the time to support the people making in our city.
Roseannah – Upstairs in Orchard Square
www.roseannah.com
Roseannah was the first shop to open with the support of ReNew funding. Rachel Salway opened Roseannah on 7 November; the unit is located in Orchard Square on the balcony above Starbucks and Evans. The space has been converted into a bright, airy and smart retail space for women’s fashion and jewellery. Roseannah is not just any fashion and jewellery store, the business is motivated by fairtrade in the fashion industry, forming partnerships worldwide with organisations that empower workers. Many of Roseannah’s partners work with communities in India and Africa to establish sustainable sources of income for marginalised individuals and those affected by tragedy. Beautiful clothes and accessories that genuinely help people.
Roseannah is open Mon-Fri 11-6 & Sat 10-5
No. 70 – 70 Pinstone St
www.labiblioteka.co / handpickedbookssheffield.tumblr.com
70 Pinstone Street is a fantastic collaboration from Handpicked Books and La Biblioteka bringing an independent and modern approach to print retail to Sheffield. No. 70 is designed for a good long browse with comfy window seats, a snug upper floor and proper brewed coffee. If they can’t recommend a suitable title for a gift this Christmas then they have gift subscriptions and gift tokens available.
Alex from Biblioteka says, “The grant from ReNew allowed us to do the necessary work to bring back into service a unique two storey retail space on the high street, that had been neglected for too long. The ethos behind La Biblioteka is to bring quality international and independent print media to new audiences, helping you find your next favourite magazine. Having a space in the city centre where people can pause, reconnect with tactile experiences and discover something new has been a pleasure to nurture. People’s reaction to the space has been amazing – it’s what keeps us going. People often compare Sheffield’s retail offer to other Northern or UK cities.”
No. 70 is open Tue-Thu 11-6 & Fri-Sat 11-7
Alt Seen Eye – Pinstone/Charles Street
www.altseeneye.co.uk
Alt Seen Eye is a collaboration between Party For The People, CADS and Rootstock Trading who set out to create a truly unique shop and venue. Run by Nicole Jewitt, it is an alternative ticketing hub providing gig tickets and information on events that you aren’t likely to find in a standard tourist information centre. The ReNew funding helped to refit the unit which was previously a barbers, and bring it back into use. Along with tickets they sell a wide range of products from local traders selling vinyl, art work, clothes, accessories and gifts. Currently the back of the shop hosts The Year Of Making Gallery and showcases rotating exhibitions for a few weeks at a time in partnership with The University of Sheffield.
Alt Seen Eye is open Mon-Sat 10-5
Sheffield Makers – Winter Garden
www.sheffieldmakersshop.com
Sheffield Makers in the Winter Garden is home to a whole host of independent creators and designers showcasing a broad range of products. All items are unique, handmade and independently designed. The Sheffield Makers shop began life as a temporary one month Christmas pop-up in an empty unit organised by Kate Cooper. After a successful opening period and with the support of the ReNew scheme Sheffield Makers has been able to stay longer; but they still need your support. Pop in and get an exciting locally made gift for someone this Christmas.
Sheffield Makers is open Mon-Sat 10-5.30 & Sun 11-4
Foodhall – 121 Eyre Street
www.foodhalls.wordpress.com
Located at 121 Eyre Street, with a vibrant facade, Foodhall is Sheffield City Centre’s first ‘pay as you feel’ cafe. Set up by students from The University of Sheffield; Foodhall is a communal dining and events space with inclusion at its heart. Founded by Louis Pohl, Jamie Wilde and new director Samuel Atkinson, these University of Sheffield graduates have utilised their expertise in Architecture and Town Planning to create a wonderful space of equality and inclusion. ReNew were able to support Foodhall with a small grant for the purchase of kitchen equipment, furniture and repairs to the building. They are a not-for-profit organisation that aims to tackle food waste, food poverty and social isolation. By paying to eat there you are enabling them to feed people who can’t afford to eat this Christmas.
Foodhall is open Tue-Sat 10-4
Renew Sheffield:
Website: www.renewsheffield.co.uk
Twitter: @renew_sheffield
