Sheffield landmark set to undergo multi-million-pound refurbishment

Left to Right: FD Alison Guggenheim, COO Natasha Babar-Evans, Chairman John Guggenheim and CEO Tom Almas.

A prominent city-centre landmark, which has been vacant for over ten years, is undergoing a multi-million-pound transformation in order to support the growth of businesses in Sheffield.

32 Eyre Street, formerly known as Deacon House, is being re-developed into a beautifully designed, iconic workspace comprising private office suites, co-working spaces, event space, meeting rooms, and a fitness centre across three floors by Wizu Workspace.

These facilities will be a major asset for start-ups, entrepreneur’s freelancers, growing businesses and professionals, acting as a catalyst for local enterprise in Sheffield.

Award-winning architect Liam Russell and workspace design company OVO Spaces are working with flexible workspace provider, Wizu Workspace who will occupy three floors of the building.

Wizu, which has already developed workspaces in Leeds and Bradford, specialises in high specification, uniquely designed private office suites, co-working spaces, meeting rooms and event space to uplift and inspire creativity. Wizu is run by chairman, John Guggenheim, CEO Tom Almas, COO Natasha Babar-Evans and FD Alison Guggenheim. Building a community is important to Wizu and they have hired Philippa Taylor as their Community Manager in Sheffield.

The company has recently won Best Serviced Office Provider in West Yorkshire in the SME Northern Enterprise Awards 2019, as well as being named a finalist in the Co-Working Space of the Year IPSE freelancer awards.

Ideally situated at the foot of The Moor and with easy access to public transport and ample parking, 32 Eyre Street is the perfect location for both new and established businesses from across the region.

Commenting on the development, Natasha Babar-Evans, COO, said: “In 2019, Sheffield was voted the best UK city where you could start a business, but it is still really hard to find business premises at affordable rates.

“Our aim is to create a great working environment which acts as a catalyst for local enterprise in Sheffield and which is a place for start-ups, entrepreneur’s freelancers, growing businesses, professionals and corporates looking for a place to thrive.

“We want to create a space where our members feel that they are part of a community that networks, innovates, collaborates and supports each other.”

Tom Almas, CEO, added: “We are really excited to bring our unique style and quality of flexible workspace to Sheffield which has been designed around the needs of our members.

“We see ourselves as a service provider not just a provider of space with our members at the heart of everything we do.”

So far, over 20% of the 16,000 sq ft Wizu will occupy has been secured by new members including Teacher Active and Tessellate Technologies.

Wizu will take occupation early November 2019 with an official launch taking place in February 2020.