Knight Frank - Offices Development - Sheffield

Date: 01 Aug 2008

A central Sheffield street is taking on an exciting new dynamic as commercial property schemes transform it from a forgotten side-road to a business district.

Commercial property specialists from the Sheffield office of Knight Frank are reporting a substantial change in the fortunes of Trippet Lane as state-of-the-art refurbishments to its period properties signal a city-central office renaissance.

Stunning buildings along the route, including historic masterpieces formerly owned by famous Sheffield retailer John Walsh and renovations to City Plaza, are creating some of the city's most unique commercial office spaces - just yards from the busy West Street and Devonshire Green retail districts.

Tim Bottrill, partner at Knight Frank's Sheffield office, said: "Trippet Lane has been a sleepy backwater for a number of years, but the refurbishment of its character buildings is promising a new lease of life in the commercial sectors.

"What really sets Trippet Lane apart from other regenerated sections of the city is its prime location in relation to the nearby legal quarter at the cathedral, its direct access onto the inner ring-road and ideal proximity to retail and leisure facilities on West Street, Orchard Square and Devonshire Street.

"The improving leisure circuit at this side of the city centre is also seeping onto Trippet Lane itself, including a new themed sports bar scheduled for the upper side of the lane to complement the boutique restaurants and established wine bar that already exist and the sensitive redevelopment of nearby Leopold Square to create hotel and restaurant facilities."

Key commercial developments on Trippet Lane include refurbishment of the three storey Walsh Court, last renovated around 11 years ago when the high grade of refit and retained original character features attracted a full quota of tenants.

The building's history has been varied with leaseholders including Cole Brothers who used it as an upholstery shop and furniture repair department.

Bells Square lay empty for a considerable number of years before being acquired by Graham Renshaw, Smith and Dave Smith in 1985. They subdivided the building into four units one of which was bought by architects AC Liani, Tek Personnel, Cotton and Co and solicitors Russell & Creswick in 1986.

Walsh Court

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