Leah's Yard, Sheffield

Description

Comprehensive redevelopment to bring the site back into long term viable use, as a community asset for local businesses.

The Phase 2 scheme comprises ‘light touch’ alteration of the existing Grade II* Listed building and internal courtyard to improve accessibility and ‘fit out’ spaces previously repaired - building on the success of Phase 1 works, which enabled the removal of the Yard from Historic England’s At Risk Register. Lathams acted as delivery architect and heritage consultant, working closely with the Main Contractor and Design Team to complete the technical design and realise the project, on behalf of Sheffield City Council.

Historic courtyard paving setts were carefully re-laid to improve surface water drainage and provide level thresholds to entrance doors and a new landscape scheme was incorporated to form part of wider Public Realm works. New internal and external staircases were incorporated, inspired by remains of dilapidated staircases, whilst being designed to achieve modern standards of safety and compliance.

A neighbouring former Public House (in a state of disrepair) was incorporated into a sensitively designed 900sqm extension through ‘facade retention’. This new element was designed to be distinct, as a new chapter in the Leah’s Yard story, whilst offering a carefully crafted interpretation of the existing site and housing
modern conveniences (including passenger lift, sanitary facilities etc). This sits alongside high quality office, retail and food & beverage spaces to enhance the viability of the overall site in operation. The project completed in July 2024 and has since re-opened; Leah’s Yard now thrives once again with local craftspeople and forms a key part of Sheffield’s public realm.

Leah’s Yard was presented with the ‘Conservation Award’ at the 2024 Sheffield Design Awards, in recognition for its sensitive adaption and re-use.

Images courtesy: Eastwood Consulting Engineers.