Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 10, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 8.1 The Director of Finance, Commercial and Performance Services submitted a report seeking approval to proceed with the next stage of the proposed roadmap to a restored, refurbished and sustainable Town Hall.   The Town Hall has been the democratic heart of Sheffield for over 125 years and although it has been maintained and remains structurally sound the building requires significant investment to secure the long-term sustainable future of this much-loved civic building.   Geoff Rich and Jess Evans from Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (Architects) attended the meeting and gave a presentation on the briefing stage of the project (RIBA Stage 1), sharing the consultant teams findings, approach and recommendations for a reimagined, restored and sustainable Town Hall.   Maria Christodoulou, Anna Tyack & Molly Smith, students from the University of Sheffield’s School of Architecture attended the meeting and gave a presentation setting out details of a 'Live Project' that they had undertaken on Sheffield Town Hall, exploring the social heritage of this much-loved civic building through the voices of local people. On behalf of Sheffield City Council, they collected stories and memories to understand the Town Hall’s significance to Sheffield’s identity—past, present, and future.     8.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-       (a) notes the work completed during the briefing phase (RIBA Stage 1), including the identification/development of five feasibility options for restoring and sustaining the Town Hall - ranging from minimal intervention to creating a national exemplar;   (b) agrees to progress to the next step of restoring the Town Hall, specifically by:   ·       Focusing next-stage design efforts on feasibility options 4 and 5, aiming for a scheme with over 60 years' longevity, consistent with the 'one-time cost-effective' brief and visioning principles (as described in section 1.5).   ·       Developing and implementing a stakeholder engagement plan to establish a shared vision and ensure proposals address Sheffield's future civic and public needs;   (c) approves an increase to the existing budget of a further £4 million from the Workplace Reserve to match the scale and ambition of exploring options 4 and 5 (please see section 2.5). This funding will provide:   ·       Provision of consultant fees and surveys to take the project through to RIBA Stage 2 (concept design).   ·       Establish a client team with the capability and capacity to manage a scheme of this value.   ·       An allowance for ongoing works to continue the occupation and safety of the building, noting that all building works are considered alongside the wider restoration project, no abortive work is being undertaken; and   (d) agree to receive a further report during RIBA Stage 2, which will provide detailed information about commercial opportunities and financial advantages of the recommended options, and help decide on the best mix of uses, delivery methods, and procurement strategies for the project.     8.3 Reasons for Decision     8.3.1 The Town Hall requires substantial investment to secure its future and ensure it continues to serve the evolving civic and community needs of Sheffield. The findings and recommendations from the briefing stage have identified the most effective approach to fulfilling our stewardship responsibilities for this valued heritage building in the city centre.     8.3.2 Continuing to do nothing is becoming increasingly costly and risky, making it clear that scaling back or pausing the project, as has been done in the past, is no longer a sensible choice, as shown in the feasibility options. Postponing this investment raises the likelihood of building failures and non-compliance, which could result in accidents, injuries, additional floor closures, or even the shutdown of the entire building.     8.3.3 This investment will secure Sheffield’s principal civic heritage building for future generations, deliver substantial enhancements, establish new revenue streams, and offer significant socio-economic benefits. Historic England’s recent independent evaluation into the value of heritage led regeneration has proven through case studies that heritage regeneration drives local economic growth and engages communities alongside protecting and enhancing local historic character.     8.3.4 The funding model currently under development, as part of the comprehensive asset strategy and accommodation review, will provide Members with various options to ensure a well-maintained, purpose-fit, and financially sustainable Council estate.     8.3.5 The Town Hall’s size, complexity, listed status, and heritage value make this project especially demanding, particularly when considered alongside the broader estate review. Therefore, it is essential to expand the client team and bring in dedicated specialists with the right expertise to achieve the project's ambitious goals.     8.3.6 Town Halls across the country are being safeguarded for future generations. It is essential we continue to build upon insights gained from these precedents and to apply information from previous studies while they remain current and relevant. The project presents a unique opportunity for asset rationalisation, addressing the needs of Sheffield’s communities, and transforming the Town Hall from a mere backdrop into an active, participatory building at the heart of city life.     8.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     8.4.1 Alternative Option 1: Do Nothing This is not a realistic option because the Town Hall no longer meets the requirements of our services and communities. Without investment, this heritage asset will continue to deteriorate, creating a substantial risk of additional closures within the building and potentially resulting in its complete closure. Such outcomes would seriously affect the democratic operations of the council alongside reputational damage of not undertaking our stewardship obligations for the building. Moreover, the cost of emergency works are rising annually.     8.4.2 Alternative Option 2: Sell/dispose of asset It was considered whether the Council should acknowledge that it is not in a financial position to maintain or continue stewardship of the Town Hall and instead opt to sell the asset to an organisation capable of ensuring the building’s long-term future. This option has been discounted because:   ·       The Town Hall is the purpose-built democratic heart of Sheffield and has fulfilled this role for over 125 years; it is therefore appropriate that it continues to host the city’s democratic functions.   ·       The building possesses exceptional cultural and heritage significance, being one of only five Grade I listed buildings in Sheffield, and the Council’s preference is to retain stewardship of this important civic asset.   ·       Additionally, the building does not offer significant commercial appeal to developers due to the extensive repairs and maintenance required, restrictions associated with its listed status, and spatial configurations intended for democratic purposes, all of which limit alternative uses.