Henderson's Relish building

May 2026

Following previous works to preserve the fabric of the building, we have submitted a further planning application to Sheffield City Council in order to fit out and enable the building to be opened and used by students, staff and visitors.

The details of the planning application can be accessed on the Council's planning portal, reference: 26/01184/FUL

The University is really pleased to to be bringing this key heritage building for Sheffield back into use.  We want to use the ground floor for student engagement and enterprise events, open days and graduations and more.  

We also want to display some of the heritage - both for Henderson’s Relish and this former factory site, as well as for the University more widely.

It will be a flexible and changing event space.  The first floor will be developed into office accommodation, including desks and a collaborative meeting space.

Floor plans of the proposed layouts of each floor are available to view here, which is part of the planning application.

Externally we will remove the orange fencing on both sides of the building, so it can be walked around on both sides as pedestrians go to and from the tram stop and cross Upper Hanover Street.

Our current schedule is to have the building open in Autumn 2026.

Preservation Works

The work to preserve the fabric of the building included an entirely new roof and a rebuild of half the structure using the original bricks. 

In December 2021 we had to remove a building to the rear of the site due to structural damage from severe adverse weather - and so this project was to preserve the fabric of this building - the 'House' - to ensure this iconic piece of Sheffield's cultural heritage would remain for many years to come. 

We added specialist bird boxes on the far gable end to provide safe nesting habitats for endangered Swifts, showing our support to Sheffield being a ‘Swift City’.

The completed works met the overall planning aim summarised in the Conclusion section of the Design, Access and Heritage statement from the planning application (submitted February 2022) which stated:

"The overall aim of this proposed work is to stabilise the condition of the building and create a safe and stable site that can then be developed further for reuse at a future stage."

Now that we've been successful in the preservation we are considering the future use of the building. It is envisaged that a further application will be required for further development of the site.  

Details of the works carried out

• Signage - the signs were removed during the construction work.  The front sign was replaced with a replica as experts stated it wasn't possible to restore the existing sign.  The newer sign from the end of the building was reinstalled after the preservation works were completed.
• Brickwork - a significant amount of the brickwork was taken down and rebuilt.  As many existing bricks were re-used as possible. Damaged and defective bricks were removed and replaced with reclaimed bricks saved from taking down the rear building at the end of 2021/start of 2022. The whole building was repointed.
• Windows - new timber windows were installed to match the existing style and size and to meet new building regulations.  The new windows were approved by the Sheffield City Council Heritage Officer.  The lintels and sills were retained wherever possible and made good within the elevations that were rebuilt.
• Front Door - a new timber door and surround was installed to match the existing style and size.
• Roof - new slate roof tiles replaced the existing ones.  The old tiles were used for a charity project - with all profits going to support students seeking sanctuary in the UK, including those from Ukraine.

Access the full proposed plans diagram - although please note the work carried out was slightly different in some areas when compared to this initial proposal.

News

April 2022 - Planning approved

Sheffield City Council have approved the planning application for "internal/external alterations including replacement of windows/doors and retention of 3 facades".  More detailed information on the works to be undertaken have been included in the project overview above.

February 2022 - Submitted planning application

A planning application was submitted to Sheffield City Council to carry out works at the site in order to preserve the 'Henderson's House' building.  The proposed refurbishment and rebuilding of the existing building will result in a secure and watertight building. 

Although the future use is not fully determined at this time, it has been indicated that the development will most likely be a social or leisure space in the form of a café or bar facility, and so a change of use has been included in the application. We envisage that a further application will be required for the further development of the site. 

December 2021 - Building at rear of site having to be removed

Following the recent adverse weather, a building to the rear of the former Henderson’s Relish factory site has suffered structural damage and needs to be taken down immediately.  Further information can be found in this news story.

July 2021 - Maintenance works

Whilst plans for the Hendersons' development are under review, we have been working to protect the building with a view to bring it back into use. Following a recent survey, we are erecting internal scaffolding and some external hoardings in preparation to undertake works to the structure, the full extent of which are to be confirmed. These maintenance works will ensure that the distinctive building maintains its character, while safeguarding its future use and ensuring it is in good shape prior to future development.

May 2021 - Roof and chimney repairs

We are beginning repair work on the building's roof and gable chimney stacks.

January 2021 - Structural inspection

We will shortly be undertaking some work to repair and maintain the building. A roof inspection and various surveys will be conducted to address any issues to the roof and structure. The building is suffering from dry rot so this will be treated as part of the full programme of repairs.