The demolition of Mappin’s Coffee House, which was bought by KMS Estates, is being challenged by a charity and protesters.
Leading the campaign against the demolition is Hallamshire Historic Buildings (HHBS), a volunteer-run charity which aims to protect the architectural heritage of Sheffield and surrounding areas.
They claim the commercial development business KMS Estates Ltd are attempting to fast-track the building’s demolition.
The charity said on their main site: “Mappin’s Coffee House complements the Victorian shop fronts alongside it. The proposed replacement building would be a disproportionate and overbearing blight on London Road.”
HHBS have put forward the hashtag #savemappinscoffeehouse in an effort to get the preservation of the building trending.
They claim that unless Sheffield City Council intervene with an Article 4 direction to protect the building, then the Steel City could face losing the landmark as early as 5 April.
HHBS stated they found this decision “by accident” with no prior notification from the city council planning department. As of this week, the charity found over 110 people objecting to these development plans.
“This is a socially important and locally innovative building designed by one of Sheffield’s most prominent
architectural practices for an outstanding philanthropist, social reformer and metal trades entrepreneur.
“It makes a strong contribution to the streetscape both in its architecture and its illustration of historical development. Its loss
would be both very regrettable and unnecessary.”
For those seeking to help the charity, the organisation has asked to contact a local councillor and help create the Article 4 direction.
The planning application can be found here.
