Kelham Island developer promises "exciting plans" to come soon after heritage business row

A developer planning new homes in Kelham Island – in a venture that could force out two heritage businesses - has promised to share its ‘exciting plans’ soon.
By Ellen Beardmore
Published 29th Jun 2021, 11:57 BST
Paul McCarthy and Chris Perry who say they may be thrown out of their respective workshops at Kelham Island as developers Citu are buying the cottages they rent as part of ongoing developmentPaul McCarthy and Chris Perry who say they may be thrown out of their respective workshops at Kelham Island as developers Citu are buying the cottages they rent as part of ongoing development
Paul McCarthy and Chris Perry who say they may be thrown out of their respective workshops at Kelham Island as developers Citu are buying the cottages they rent as part of ongoing development

Citu commented after the Sheffield Telegraph featured the plight of tenants Paul McCarthy Cabinets and Chris Perry’s Silversmiths – both based at The Cottages, on Alma Street, at Kelham Island earlier this month.

They were facing a costly move after their landlord at nearby AW Tools aims to sell the property where they are based to Citu, who have earmarked the area for a housing development.

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Mr McCarthy and Mr Perry said a move will leave them struggling to relocate and even if the housing scheme goes ahead a compensation payout from developer Citu would still not be enough to guarantee their future.

Kelham Island is one of the city’s oldest manufacturing sites boasting historical remnants from its proud cutlery and steel works and after it has already undergone redevelopment Mr McCarthy and Mr Perry feel allowances should be made to ensure traditional businesses which have contributed to the site’s success can remain.

Read the full story on the tenants here

Citu’s plans are for a new “eco housing estate” and it has taken out a £8.4m loan to build the first 46 houses at Kelham Central, which in total will have 114 residential units.

A Citu spokesman has now said: “AW Tools decided they needed to relocate from their current premises to somewhere that better suits their business needs. Citu is purchasing Globe Works and look forward to sharing exciting plans for the future of the building in the next few weeks.”

Related topics:Kelham IslandSheffield Telegraph