Sheffield City Council has named developer Urban Splash as its preferred bidder to re-establish the landmark building as a focus for people to meet and eat in the city.

Final negotiations will now commence between the council and Urban Splash to refine details of the transformation project.

The ambition is to have the scheme totally completed within the next three years.

The city council took ownership of the building in January 2022 after John Lewis decided to close

During the bid, Urban Splash worked with architects AHMM on the design which will include a rooftop garden.

The bid was the lightest touch redevelopment plan submitted with most of the building retained along with the multi-storey car park.

Urban Splash submitted the highest financial offer that did not require any financial contribution from the council under a 250-year lease deal.

Simon Allford, co-founder of AHMM Architects, said: “The refurbishment of the Grade 2 Listed Cole Brothers building is perhaps the key project in the ongoing reinvigoration of the Sheffield city centre.

“We have worked with the Urban Splash team for many years and we look forward to collaborating with both them and the City of Sheffield.

Mark Latham, regeneration director at Urban Splash, said: “We are delighted to be entrusted with the redevelopment of the Cole Brothers building.

The existing car park structure would be maintained with public access to a pocket park at the top during the day and evening, with studio spaces and gym to the upper levels.

“We know how important this building is to so many Sheffielders and look forward to sharing and developing our ideas for its future together with the city.