Autumn opening targeted for Sheffield’s next food hall

Cambridge Street Collective, currently under construction at the junction of Cambridge Street and Wellington Street, will sit within the Heart of the City development.

Operator Blend Family, previously the Milestone Group, was founded by Matt Bigland and is managed with his wife and business partner Nina Patel Bigland.

The firm also runs Cutlery Works in Kelham Island, which features 14 vendors over two floors, comprising 15,000 sq ft in all. Cambridge Street Collective is set to be larger, at 27,000 sq ft over three levels, with rooftop bar areas.

Blend said that it is gearing up to start fit-out works in July at the Cambridge Street site. It said that the hall will be a culturally diverse food destination at the centre of the transformative Heart of the City development programme, which is led by Sheffield City Council and development partner Queensberry.

As well as vendor spaces, the venue will include a cookery school with a seating area for live demonstrations, and a bakery.

Bigland said: “This venture will reinvigorate the city centre. With Cutlery Works, we found a niche in the market that allowed traders to test products and lean on bigger footfalls without taking a traditional 15-year lease and having to put their life savings on the line.”

Food halls have become a key part of the mix for cities looking to add vitality and an independent element to act as an alternative to the nationwide chain brands available in every town and city – as Bigland said, giving start-ups the chance to run a venue with a lower entry level.

He continued: “Cambridge Street will challenge people and move them out of their comfort zone with various unique independent vendors. There’s going to be loads of choice and even some theatre.

“In our top floor, along with a rooftop bar, we want to offer experiential dining. We’re aiming to bring in things that I’ve seen in China, it’ll be a bit like glamping with barbeques, hotpot and dim sum, and it’ll be fun. Families will love it. Kids will love it. It will be very social.”

An eclectic mix is the aim for Cambridge Street Collective. Credit: via CounterContext

Cambridge Street Collective, along with the neighbouring Leah’s Yard and Bethel Chapel developments, is seen as Heart of the City’s cultural and social focal point.

Sean McClean, director of regeneration and development at Sheffield City Council, said: “Heart of the City is making fantastic progress and we’re moving towards the business end of the construction programme. Visitors to the city centre can now see the significant mix of quality new buildings and diverse offers all coming together at pace.

“Sitting so close to Pound’s Park, which has been a hugely popular addition, Cambridge Street Collective will bring something fresh and exciting to Sheffield’s food and drink scene and provide a new hub of activity for the city centre – one that not only provides more customer choice, but can also help all new and existing businesses thrive as well.”