The Montgomery Theatre and Orchard Square, if approved by the Council, will receive £1.48 million to help develop their accessibility and create new event space.
This funding comes as part of the Government’s Future High Streets Fund which aims to level up city centres like Sheffield.
The Montgomery Theatre
The Montgomery Theatre will receive £495,000 to help redevelop the 136-year-old building on Surrey Street.
Sarah Sharp, Director of the Montgomery Theatre, said: “This Future High Street funding would be transformational for the Montgomery, it would allow us to reach more audiences than we ever have before and ensure that no audience member is excluded from our venue.”
This grant will enable the upper floors to open and help to expand the theatre’s plan to become a leading arts centre for children and young people.
Sarah continued: “The Montgomery has been at the heart of Sheffield city centre since 1886 and has become a vital part of the landscape of the city, so it is fitting to be included in the wider development of Fargate.”
Orchard Square
Orchard Square is set to receive two different areas of investment from the scheme.
Firstly, £650,000 will be granted to help develop the outdoor space in the square allowing more events to be hosted there.
John Heller, Chief Executive of London and Associated Properties (Orchard Square’s developers), said: “Orchard Square is one of the few places in the city centre that has its own public space, allowing us to both support and build on the wider city centre vision and activity.
An additional £340,000 will go towards converting the upper floors into eight new apartments.
John continued: “More residential space in Sheffield city centre is also an essential component in revitalising the area, just as it has done so in Leeds and Manchester.
“We are excited to get this work underway and release further potential for this great city.”
Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Co-Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: “Fargate, the High Street and surrounding streets have long been waiting for much-needed investment to kick start pride and interest in the area.
“This latest round of investments, if approved, will help revitalise the area, encourage people back into the city centre and provide community facilities to benefit everyone.”
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