Tag Archives: redevelopment

Drama groups seek clarity on future of Library Theatre

Sheffield and District Amateur Dramatic Society has raised concerns over the future of Sheffield’s Library Theatre as the Council consults on redevelopment of the Central Library. Three public meetings have been held by Sheffield Council to consult on the future of the Central Library with a proposal under consideration for conversion of the Grade II listed building into a five star hotel. The building is in need of costly repairs and the Council has promised that a new library will be built in the city centre if the commercial development goes ahead. Assurances have also been given about keeping the Graves Art Gallery but little has been said about the future of the Library Theatre. The theatre is part of the library building, managed by Sheffield City Council, and is used by many amateur dramatic societies, schools and art groups as a home, including for some edgier productions that might not otherwise be performed. Sheffield Live! reporter, Simon Thake, spoke to Phil Gascoyne, chair of Sheffield and District Amateur Dramatic Society.

Save Sheffield Central Library petition reaches 8,000 signatures

A petition to keep Sheffield Central Library in its existing grade II listed building has reached over 8,000 signatures. Sheffield City Council has opened discussions with Chinese investment partner Guodong UK Limited over proposals to sell off the Central Library to become the city’s first five star hotel. The Council has said the building is in need of repairs which would cost at least £30 million and an alternative option would be to build a new modern library elsewhere in the city centre. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to Rebecca Gransbury who started the petition.

Council defends Sheffield Central Library redevelopment plan

Deputy Council leader Leigh Bramall defended plans to turn Sheffield’s central library into a five star hotel in an interview with Sheffield Live! The deal was signed with Chinese construction firm Guodong UK Ltd in July to build the city’s first five star hotel, as part of £220 million pounds investment pledged over three years. A new modern central library is to be built elsewhere in the city centre. The council estimate up to £30 million pounds would be needed to bring the library up to modern day standards. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!