The architects who will restore and refurbish the town hall sustainably to ensure it remains a Grade 1 listed heritage asset have been appointed. 

Sheffield City Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee initially met on January 22 2025 where they discussed proposals for improving the hall. The key issues addressed were accessibility, fire safety and structural repairs. 

Director of Customer Experience and Communities, Tom Smith said: “It’s a really special building for the city, opened in 1897 by Queen Victoria – it’s one of only five Grade 1 listed buildings in the city.”

On April 29, three months on from the initial meeting, the council revealed that Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBStudios) had been chosen to lead the project after a competitive selection process.

FCBStudios have worked in Sheffield before, having worked on the Grade 2 listed Leah’s Yard, and specialise in approaching architecture in a sustainable, democratic and responsible design. 

Geoff Rich, Partner and Director of Heritage and Creative Reuse at FCBStudios, said: “The project represents an exciting opportunity to complement the buildings unique heritage with inclusive and sustainable design, and to ensure the Town Hall meets the future needs of Sheffield’s communities.”

It is thought that construction will begin in October 2027 and be completed by December 2030. The proposed timeline is based on the restoration timelines of Manchester Town Hall and Bristol City Hall.

Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Through this work we will breathe new life into the Town Hall so that the building can continue to serve everyone in our city.”

A feasibility study in 2022 examined the potential cost for restoration, estimating the price to be between £20 million to £50 million, depending on building defects and safety issues.