Plans to redevelop Sheffield’s historic John Lewis building have been approved by councillors despite ongoing objections from heritage campaigners.

The Grade II listed building has stood vacant since John Lewis left Sheffield in 2021. It was designed by one of the most prominent post-war British Modernist architect firms Yorke, Rosenberg and Mardall. 

However, developers Urban Splash have proposed what they describe as an “exciting transformation” of the building into a multi-use space including shops, cafes and offices with a rooftop garden and car park.

The Twentieth Century Society (C20 Society), which campaigns to protect post-1914 architecture, said it supported the proposed internal works but remained concerned about the scale of external alterations.

A spokesperson said: “The loss of original mosaic panels and the introduction of radically different glazing will significantly alter the principal elevation, fundamentally changing the character of the building.

“We all want to see this fabulous building back in business, so it’s disappointing there was no compromise to be found on this particular element of the design, when Twentieth Century Society and Historic England provided clear feedback.”

Despite Historic England removing their initial objection after a redesign was offered, the c20 Society continued to strongly object to the application.

Resident, John Burton, said: “The building is a relic of a not so good architectural past… Hopefully someone will see sense, realise that it isn’t architecturally significant, and replace it with something that is, or maybe an area for open space or a park.”

Councillors acknowledged concerns raised during Tuesday’s meeting but ultimately concluded that the benefits of the project outweigh any substantial harm. The plans have now been officially approved with dates yet to be determined.