Despite a number of losses for heritage assets in Sheffield during 2024, there has been one significant spot of hope on the heritage front.
After 25 years of the building being empty and neglected the Council has agreed a purchase with the absentee owner and will take on the future of the Salvation Army Citadel on Cross burgess Street in Sheffield City Centre.
The iconic castellated citadel, opened in 1894, was used as the charity’s main church location until they moved out in 1999. The building, which is Grade II listed since 1995 has stood empty ever since. There was a minor occupation by squatters from the ‘Occupy’ movement in 2011/12 which may have prevented really serious damage by mending a burst water pipe in the cellar and fixing the damage to the auditorium roof. This included removing many sacks of pigeon guano.
The owner, Robert Hill of Tandem Properties Ltd., had made a number of approaches to the Council about different schemes to redevelop the site but none were deemed suitable, especially as they included partial demolition proposals. The site was clearly a blight on the almost complete ‘Heart of the City’ project and this seems to have finally stirred the Council to action.
Photos showing the building and previous owner – Sheffield Star
Repair orders were issues and the threat of compulsory purchase hung over the building’s owner. In an attempt to avoid court proceedings, Mr Hill finally came to an agreement with the Council for them to purchase the Citadel. The building was designed by William Gilbee Scott in 1892. A foundation stone can be seen on the corner building on Pinstone Street, part of a range also built by the Salvation Army as offices and retail, to support the work of the charity.
Having acquired this significant listed heritage asset it is now for Sheffield City Council to ensure a long term future for the building with a sustainable and innovative refurbishment and a plan for it’s re-use that takes advantage of its unique attributes.
Nigel Slack, Chair, Victorian Society, South Yorkshire