Sum Studios, the re-development of the former Anns Grove School in Heeley, Sheffield, celebrates its first birthday with a big open air public party on Saturday 19th July, from 6.00pm to midnight.
Andy Jackson, the Trust’s Manager, commented ‘the first year has been amazing for us. We have saved a beautiful building and now have a really exciting mix of tenants, smashing our year one target. The best aspect of it all is that we have created a new, vibrant business community in the heart of Heeley, and everyone is really enjoying being there – there’s a great buzz about the place. It feels right that we celebrate all of that within the community so this party is about getting the people who live and work here and in the city together for a really good time. ’
After years of effort trying to save this much loved and derelict local landmark, Heeley Development Trust opened phase 1 of the project in July 2013. The first building of three on the site was refurbished to an amazing standard and now provides workspaces for local businesses. The scheme has already attracted 19 private businesses into the area, employing over 60 people, representing 75{2592463e9e27b1da757c7870fcb12eb0e42ce97f217f67b6715920e1db28af09} let within its first year. The scheme has had an immense impact on the image and well-being of the local area and the local community are thrilled that this landmark is being brought back to life, after over 7 years of dereliction.
The 1st birthday party is a free to enter public event, and will take place in the courtyard, with a live stage and DJ’s, a public bar and street food stalls. Sheffield music is the focus. Clubs & Spades and Hot Soles take a break from their very busy festival schedule to bring some high energy performances, and there are sets from Sum Studios based Mike Hughes and Heeley’s very own, Battle of the Bands winning Tandem. DJ’s on the night will include Chris Duckenfield, Winston Hazel, Stephen Singleton and The DJ Pipes.
As for the future, Sum Manager Matthew Conduit said ‘Plans for the redevelopment of the other two buildings on the site are well under way, to create arts studios and workshops, rehearsal spaces, training spaces, a café and a new venue and events hall. There are also plans to landscape the whole site, linking to the adjacent Heeley Millennium Park. We hope that further news on the future developments will be available in the autumn. As for the party, it’s going to be a really special evening to celebrate this very special place.’