A bookshop owner in Sheffield’s Chapel Walk is calling for government help to transform the historic shopping street.

Chapel Walk dates back to the Middle Ages and was once bustling with small shops and boutiques when the buildings were seen as clean and attractive.

However, due to various reasons, Chapel Walk has fallen into economic hardship with shops closing down and graffiti being painted on shutters. Foot traffic is also sparse.

The city council pledged £1.24 million last year to help revitalise Chapel Walk in an attempt to restore it as a popular shopping street.

The funds will be allocated to specific local businesses, with two organisations receiving donations: The Sheffield Church Burgesses Trust and Foundry Sheffield. They will receive £250,000 and £650,000 respectively.

Rosie May, 44, co-owner of Suno Books in Chapel Walk said: “There are nice independent businesses in the Chapel Walk. They are great. But then, there is not as much as you would expect in a big city centre.

“We would like some compensation from the government. But what we really want is the nice advantages of all the shops. Encourage tenants to take up the shops. And better lighting because we are two women who work here and when it is dark. It can be quite scary down here.”

Sheffield City Council’s finance committee approved funding for the transformation of Chapel Walk in July 2023. Specific plans will be implemented this month this year.

The money which comes from the Fargate Front Door Scheme will be spent to improve shop fronts, the environment, and access to buildings. The scheme has already funded improvements to 33-35 Fargate, Orchard Square, The Montgomery Theatre, and small businesses through ReNew Sheffield.

Other money will aim to install new public art and encourage new businesses into vacant units. A total of £90,000 will be provided to help small businesses and new businesses with renovation costs if they move into vacant properties.

Many Sheffield citizens left messages on the city government’s official Facebook page, criticising the current situation of Chapel Walk and supporting the plan, saying now is the time to implement the plan and will wait for its final success.