S1 Artspace and Sheffield Hallam University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding solidifying a new partnership as S1 move to their new home in Fitzalan Square in Sheffield city centre.
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.
S1 Artspace has bought the former Yorkshire Bank Chambers in 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.
The renovated site will feature spacious public galleries across two floors, showcasing an ambitious programme of new works 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.
Louise Hutchinson, Project Director at 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.”
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “This 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, at the corner of Commercial Street and Haymarket overlooking Fitzalan Square, was built in 1871, served as the Sheffield Stock Exchange from 1911 for over fifty years, and became a branch of the Yorkshire Bank in 1967. It closed in 2014, and the building has stood vacant since 2017.
