Tag Archives: Devonshire street Sheffield

Specialist Shops to be Replaced with Flats on Devonshire Street Sheffield

According to the Sheffield Star, the specialist shops on Devonshire Street will be replaced with flats and other shops, which has caused massive public outcry in opposition to the plans. Objectors to the demolition say that the impact on the area means that the street will become ‘like every single high street in the country’ and that it would be ‘utter madness to demolish one of the truly individual parts of Sheffield.’

Image Sign Studio recently reported on the plans to demolish a number of shops on Devonshire Street in Sheffield, a popular area of the city centre with an eclectic mix of independent retail shops and quirky boutiques. As experts in the design and manufacture of shop signs Sheffield, they have been keeping a close eye on the developments of this story, and are sad to announce that the Sheffield Star have reported that despite nearly 20,000 objections, the shops will be knocked down.

The Devonshire Quarter

A report to the planning committee says “Though occupiers of the existing retail units perfectly reflect the city’s aspirations for the Devonshire Quarter and undeniably have a part to play in creating an attractive, viable and varied city centre, the planning system does not exist to protect the private interests of one person against the activities of another. Provided a retail frontage is retained, the loss of the specific businesses is not a planning matter.”

Opposition to Planning Application

Coda Planning, agent for the developers Primesite Ltd insist that the development would ‘rejuvenate’ a block falling into ‘disrepair’ and improve the area. According to Sheffield Council, the online petition was the largest ever connected to a planning application since the Council began keeping logs, and raised a huge 18,337 signatures. Unfortunately, planners say that according to the law, only views based on ‘material planning considerations’ can be given weight, meaning that the buildings will be destroyed and replaced regardless of the signatures received in opposition.

Shop Signs Sheffield

As professional makers of shop signage Sheffield, Image Sign Studio thinks it’s a great shame that this vibrant and eclectic area of the city will be replaced with flats and other shops. The director of Coda Planning has assured Sheffield residents that the building’s design will respect the street’s character and allow occupancy to continue. For help and advice on the manufacture and installation of your new shop sign Sheffield, get in touch with Image Sign Studio on 0114 261 7617 or email them at rich@imagesign.co.uk

18,000 Signatures on Petition to Save Shops on Devonshire Street, Sheffield

Developers have recently submitted a planning application to Sheffield Council to demolish the string of independent retail shops on Devonshire Street and replace them with flats, restaurants and cafes. The application seeks to replace 162 to 170 Devonshire Street, which would result in the closure of the Natural Bed Company, Rare and Racy, the Rag Parade Vintage Store and Syd and Mallory.

Vibrant Retail Quarter Faces Possible Demolition

As professional shop sign makers in Sheffield, we like to keep our eye on what is going on in the various retail areas of the city. The recent news about the possible demolition of a number of shops on Devonshire Street comes as a blow to this vibrant independent retail quarter of Sheffield, and there are many that oppose the plans. Devonshire Street is a popular area of the city centre with an eclectic mix of independent retail shops and quirky boutiques selling everything from vintage jewellery and clothes to second hand books and records.

Petition Handed to City Planners

The petition against the demolition has now been handed in to city planners, which has over 18,000 signatures. Sheffield poet Jonathan Butcher, who stocks his books at the independent book store Rare and Racy, set up the petition. He said: “Those signatures on that petition just show how much people value this area of Sheffield. Students choose to come to Sheffield for the underground music scene and the independent vintage shops and emporiums. People are going to forget what Sheffield is all about it if developers keep building complexes. It’s becoming more and more corporate.”

Comment from Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield

Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield visited the shop owners to discuss the plans from Sheffield business Primesite Ltd. He said: “I’ve had a lot of constituents get in touch with me and they are really concerned. I share that concern, because I think shops like this on Devonshire Street really make the character of the city centre, it’s not just about the big chains. We want small, independents that give life to the city. I’m really worried that, not only the development but the change in the uses for these units so restaurants and bars can move in will fundamentally weaken the city centre.”