The Rose Garden Cafe in Graves Park, Sheffield was temporarily closed in 2022 over fears concerning the safety of the building.

Due to local campaigns the Rose Garden Cafe Partnership has been established, forming a collaboration between Sheffield City Council, the Friends of Graves Park and the Save the Rose Garden Cafe Campaign. 

Architect Chris Hill told councillors at the Charity Trustee Sub-committee council meeting (March 3) about plans to restore the building into a modern improvement that will provide new facilities for the community.

He said he wants these changes to “make it more useable for current park users but hopefully attract new park users.”

Project Manager, Rebecca Nixon told councillors the space will be “designed for flexibility” and hopefully generate new business opportunities. There are hopes the building can become a community facility and hired space. 

Changes include an extended external seating area and changing place toilets. 

Ms Nixon also told councillors that preservation is key, ensuring the clocktower and the two sets of patio doors are restored to their original look.

The renovation is to cost £2.6 million, Nixon explained how a submission of interest had been sent to the National Heritage Lottery Fund, to gain funding for the project.

Community volunteer work has helped raise money for restoration.

Dukes, who currently own the cafe, donates 10p for every hot drink purchased, which has currently raised £1,924 for the restoration. 

Monthly fundraisers are currently taking place to help provide money for the project.

The next upcoming fundraiser will be on the 12th April, which will include face painting in the cafe.

Councillor Richard Williams said the project is “moving forward at a great pace and to a great place.”

There is no set date for the completion of the project, as explained to councillors the time scale depends on the amount of funding received.