A family owned restaurant in Sheffield city centre fear that their business could suffer during planned redevelopment of some of the city’s busiest streets. 

Grazie, a southern Italian pasta lab located on Leopold Street, is doubtful of how their restaurant will adapt when the building works are taking place. 

Sheffield City Council plans to redevelop Leopold Street and Townhead Street, by widening pavements, introducing bike lanes, adding greenery and making Leopold Street a one way system. 

Vito Vernia, 36, owner of Grazie, and neighbouring Italian wine bar La Bottega , said: “Obviously the main worry is how the business is going to be affected whilst the works are taking place. There is definitely going to be some impact.”

The owner continued: “At the moment we don’t know how long it is going to take, or how the council is going to support us.”

The restaurant, which has been open for seven years , is well known in Sheffield.

Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Roadworks will need to take place to install these improvements, but we are committed to working closely with businesses and residents in the area to ensure as little disruption as possible.”

One of the aims of the project is to create more public space, allowing restaurants such as Vito’s to have more outdoor seating in the summer. 

Mr Vernia said: “Outdoor seating will 100% benefit us in the summertime.

“It would benefit businesses all along the street, as we could become more connected.”

Ed Clancy OBE, South Yorkshire’s Active Lives commissioner, said the plans are “ building better connected, inviting and energetic places that people feel proud to call home.” 

Mr Vernia added: “The project will definitely be beneficial for us when its completed, but we just hope it doesn’t take too long.”

The owner plans to attend the open council meeting for businesses on March 26. He said: “hopefully we can find out more about how long the redevelopment is going to take, and what support the council is going to give us.”