A derelict building in Hillsborough Park has been transformed into an artisan bakery thanks to a million pound cash injection.

The Old Coach House in Hillsborough Park welcomed the public to its new Depot Bakery this morning, following renovation by Age UK Sheffield.

The building, and nearby Bradbury Makers’ Shed, have been restored by Age UK Sheffield in a £1million project, partially funded through a £581,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The restoration of the building has taken almost five years, and Depot Bakery was chosen to run the new café in the park.

Steve Chu, Chief Executive, Age UK Sheffield, said: “In terms of Age UK Sheffield and older people, the money that we get from Depot will enable us to deliver some really great, exciting, creative activities for older people.

“I think in terms of the café itself, it’ll be a really great resource for the local community and also for the park, and hopefully be something to add to the area.”

Janet Potts, 85, the first customer of Depot Bakery

Janet Potts, 85, is a member of the Friends of Hillsborough Park group which helps to maintain the Walled Garden. After volunteering with the group for 15 years, Janet was chosen to be the first customer of the new bakery.

She said: “It’s just a lovely spot to have a café, overlooking the park.

“It’s something we’ve really needed and nearly five years in the making, we’ve finally made it.”

Corinna Pearce, Marketing Co-ordinator, Age UK Sheffield, explained how the conservatory area of the building is completely new, but they wanted to respect and keep certain aspects of The Old Coach House which complemented the history of the building.

Staff working at Depot Bakery, Hillsborough Park

The Depot Bakery is an independent, artisan café, which is already open on Burton Road, Sheffield.

A variety of baked goods are available, including sweet and savoury pastries, all day brunch dishes and both vegan and wheat free cake options.

Councillor Alison Teal, Executive Member for Wellbeing, Parks and Leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “It’s wonderful to see the doors of the Coach House now open to local people and visitors, and that its first customer is someone who has given so much to the park.

“We’re extremely happy to have Depot Bakery on site and I know they will be a very popular addition to the Hillsborough community.”

The bakery in Hillsborough will be takeaway only for the first week, with the full dine-in restaurant opening on Monday 21st March.