If you’re looking for a great place in Sheffield city centre to catch all the sporting events, you can watch, play, eat and drink from next month when sports bar and kitchen, BOX, opens in the Gaumont Building at Barker’s Pool.
Pictures offer glimpse inside former Salvation Army Citadel
When it first opened, more than a century ago, the former Salvation Army Citadel building would attract scores of people every Sunday to worship. However, pictures taken inside since Sheffield City Council acquired it show amount of work required to bring it back to life.
Opened in 1894, the building was used by the Salvation Army as their main church venue in the city for more than a century before the charity moved out in 1999. Since then, the Grade II listed building has remained empty.
It was acquired by Sheffield City Council in October 2024 and, since then, officers have been assessing the amount of work required to bring the building back to life and what it could be used for in the future.
The first two phases of the project to bring the building back into use have now been announced including securing the building, conduct inspections and carry out repair work to the shell, core, and structural defects. Work is due to begin on the first phase in February 2025 and will result in the Citadel becoming secure, water-tight, ensure heritage features are preserved, and further deterioration is prevented.
Cllr Janet Ridler, Sheffield City Council’s Heritage Champion, said:
“This is a key milestone in securing the future of this historic and important building within the city centre. I’m really looking forward to the work beginning and working with heritage groups, stakeholders and interested parties to ensure a successful future for the Grade II listed building.”
Cllr Zahira Naz, Chair of the Finance Committee at Sheffield City Council, said:
“The former Salvation Army Citadel building is an important part of Sheffield’s history, dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria, it’s vital that it’s able to be brought back to life and a suitable use is found.
“However, transforming a building of this type doesn’t happen overnight and will carry a substantial cost. That money will be spent on making sure the building can be used moving forward, can be made watertight and safe, and ensure the more than a century old Citadel can be used for another 100 years.”
