Rental community at restored Sheffield cutlery works completes

Eyewitness Works in Sheffield is social impact developer Capital&Centric’s latest development to complete, with the former cutlery works now transformed into a new rental community.

The historic Grade II listed works on the city’s Milton Street has been restored into a mix of one-, two- and three-bed apartments, duplexes and townhouses, with the redbrick 1852 building retaining all the historic features and charm of the original, but with a distinct contemporary overhaul for the design conscious. The spaces are fully furnished with HAY furniture, a collection of high-quality, sustainable Scandi pieces.

The former home of Taylor’s Eyewitness also features a permanent mural ‘The Giant’ by renowned street artist Phlegm – a lasting reminder of his 2019 Mausoleum of the Giants exhibition at the site which attracted thousands of visitors into the city.

Accompanying new build Brunswick – named after the former Brunswick Hotel that closed its doors in 1964 – has been adorned with a huge green wall, with the entire side of the building covering in lush green planting.

Residents started moving into the pet-friendly rental homes last year and have exclusive access to three peaceful gardens in the internal courtyards – one featuring a giant, 100-year-old friction screw press as a reminder of the building’s past – as well as a residents’ lounge, mini cini, co-working space and private dining.

Tom Wilmot, joint managing director of Capital&Centric, said:

“We’re super proud of Eyewitness. It oozes with historic character but with a contemporary design edge. There really is nothing else like it in the city and whether your vibe is traditional mill, New York loft or urban new build pad, we’ve got you covered. The outdoor spaces are great places for people to hang out and relax. And this isn’t just for young professionals, the Eyewitness community has attracted all ages, including families.

“By restoring this iconic building we’ve kick started the regeneration of Mester’s Village and we’re already looking at our next project in the area. Sheffield has ambitious plans to bring thousand more homes into the city centre and it’s brilliant to be part of its transformation.”

Eyewitness Works is located in Sheffield’s Devonshire Quarter, just a stone’s throw from Devonshire Green. It is the first chapter of plans to transform the area into the 15 acre Mesters’ Village, with over 2,500 homes, makers spaces, café bars, delis and a school. The company has reimagined the area setting out a plan for how it could develop over the next 5-10 years. They recently announced Fitzwilliam as the latest site to come forward under the Mesters’ Village masterplan, which will see around 200 new build homes, roads pedestrianised and the creation of new public squares and ground floor spaces for businesses and the community to hang out.

Known for their transformation of some of the North’s stunning historic buildings, Capital&Centric even brought Channel 4 to Sheffield, with Eyewitness Works featuring weekly on The Big Interiors Battle fronted by AJ Odudu last year. Capital&Centric recently announced its biggest project to date – delivering 2,000 homes for the UK’s largest new town, Northstowe in Cambridgeshire.

Viewings at Eyewitness Works are open to book via: www.capitalandcentric.com/eyewitness