Cole Brothers
An icon revisited
Cole Brothers is a Grade II listed building in the heart of Sheffield, a landmark known far beyond the city.
The story of Cole Brothers began in 1847, when John and Thomas Cole opened their silk and hosiers store. They were soon joined by their brother Skelton, and together, they expanded their presence along Sheffield’s Fargate. By 1869, due to its growing popularity, the store underwent a significant rebuild, adding two additional stories to accommodate demand.
Cole Brothers was a trailblazer in its time, notably employing women in the early 1900s – a move that proved invaluable as World War I approached. The store became an enduring symbol of Sheffield, enjoying many years of success. In 2001, it transitioned to become John Lewis, before eventually closing its doors.
In 2023, Urban Splash took on the responsibility of reimagining this beloved structure, continuing our transformative journey in Sheffield that began with the revitalisation of another of the city’s historic icons – Park Hill.
Gallery
Everyone has a story about Cole Brothers
A big part of Sheffield’s history, nearly everyone here has a memory of Cole Brothers.
The store first opened its doors in 1963, later becoming the home of John Lewis for 19 years, before closing in 2021. Today, we’re working with architect AHMM to evolve the building’s legacy into an exciting new hub for Sheffield’s future.
Our vision is to create a vibrant commercial ecosystem within the building; flexible workspaces, cafés, retail, leisure, cultural venues, and event spaces. We’re seeking partnerships with great brands, independents, and businesses that are as committed to Sheffield as we are, aiming to create a place that local people will love and feel inspired to use.
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Supporting Sheffield's Heart of the City project
This redevelopment will complement Sheffield City Council’s Heart of the City project, a major redesign of the surrounding area in which Cole Brothers will play a central role.
If you’re interested in being part of this exciting transformation, contact our agents for more information. Smith Young and Starka will manage retail and leisure inquiries, while Sheffield-based Colloco will handle office spaces.
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