Huge tech hub in former Sheffield Co-op department store set to transform digital economy

A huge tech hub for hundreds of firms is set to transform Sheffield's digital economy and kick-start the regeneration of a rundown area of the city.
Launch of the Kollider Project in the former Co-op at Castle House in Sheffield City Centre Nick Morgan (Kollider), John Mothersole (Sheffield City Council) and Guy Illingworth (U+I)Launch of the Kollider Project in the former Co-op at Castle House in Sheffield City Centre Nick Morgan (Kollider), John Mothersole (Sheffield City Council) and Guy Illingworth (U+I)
Launch of the Kollider Project in the former Co-op at Castle House in Sheffield City Centre Nick Morgan (Kollider), John Mothersole (Sheffield City Council) and Guy Illingworth (U+I)

A £3 million revamp of Castle House on Angel Street will turn the disused former Co-op department store into a bustling business centre for up to 1,100 people, developers say.

And it could be a catalyst for the modernisation of the entire Castlegate area, which includes the Old Town Hall and the former Sheffield Castle site, according to council chiefs.

Steve Pette and Nick Morgan from Kollider in the boadroom.Steve Pette and Nick Morgan from Kollider in the boadroom.
Steve Pette and Nick Morgan from Kollider in the boadroom.
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A deal has been signed between the authority and building owners U+I, three years after the money, from the Department of Culture Media and Sport, was announced in the spring budget of 2015.

Now upgrade work is set to start, including rewiring, new heating systems and broadband. Original features will be retained including a listed spiral staircase and a boardroom with giant horseshoe-shaped table.

The building, which dates back to 1962, is set to open for business in 2019 and will be run by Sheffield-based Kollider Projects.

Nick Morgan of Kollider said: “The ambition is to get as many smart people in close proximity as possible to do great things. But if we build a tech incubator for techies it will exclude people and we want it to be an inclusive building with a social working space and a place where the community is welcome.

Steve Pette (Kollider) Guy Illingworth (U+I) and Nick Morgan (Kollider) at the top of the spiral stairs.Steve Pette (Kollider) Guy Illingworth (U+I) and Nick Morgan (Kollider) at the top of the spiral stairs.
Steve Pette (Kollider) Guy Illingworth (U+I) and Nick Morgan (Kollider) at the top of the spiral stairs.
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“It’s about creating human connections, ultimately the original Co-op was all about community.”

The hub will have an incubator for start-ups, workspace for small firms, areas focused on subjects such as gaming and investment advice, and a restaurant. Rent from occupants will raise revenue and Kollider hopes to sign a paying corporate partner.

Guy Illingworth, of U+I, said: “It will have a massive impact on the city’s tech economy and its image and this entire area.”

The firm bought the building after the Co-op closed in 2008 with a view to reopening it as a shop, he added.

Steve Pette and Nick Morgan from Kollider in the boadroom.Steve Pette and Nick Morgan from Kollider in the boadroom.
Steve Pette and Nick Morgan from Kollider in the boadroom.
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But that changed when the tech hub proposal was put forward with a bid for funds from Government.

“The market has changed, the city doesn’t need any more retail,” he added.

Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for business, said he hoped it would be a catalyst for the city’s ‘Old Town’.

He added: “It’s another step in the regeneration of the area. If someone can take this on, someone can definitely take on the Old Town Hall.

Steve Pette (Kollider) Guy Illingworth (U+I) and Nick Morgan (Kollider) at the top of the spiral stairs.Steve Pette (Kollider) Guy Illingworth (U+I) and Nick Morgan (Kollider) at the top of the spiral stairs.
Steve Pette (Kollider) Guy Illingworth (U+I) and Nick Morgan (Kollider) at the top of the spiral stairs.
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“This area links into the Urbo scheme at West Bar, Kelham Island, the Knowledge Gateway from the Old Post Office to the Showroom cinema and the Heart of the City. Wherever you look something is happening.”

The scheme took longer than expected due to complex government protocols when giving public sector money to a private company, he added.

“It’s been a long time coming but we’re delighted.”