Sheffield City Council has appointed Willmott Dixon to deliver the £14.4 million transformation of Event Central, a major regeneration project that will turn a former retail building on Fargate into a state-of-the-art music venue and collaborative workspace.

The scheme will see extensive structural alterations, including the creation of a new atrium linking the ground and first floors, significant strengthening works to handle revised load requirements, a redesigned façade, and a full interior fit-out for both the music venue and workspace areas.

Construction is due to start by the end of August. Once complete, Event Central will feature a 200-capacity live performance space and café/bar on the ground floor, with four upper floors providing co-working facilities and meeting rooms. The venue will host a diverse programme of community events, exhibitions, workshops, and talks.

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Located in the heart of Fargate, the project is part of a wider strategy to revitalise Sheffield’s city centre, following the success of cultural spaces such as Cambridge Street Collective and Leah's Yard.

Chris Yates, Yorkshire director at Willmott Dixon, said: "Our local team of regeneration experts bring a wealth of experience to Event Central and we're delighted to play our part in the regeneration of Fargate, creating a space designed to empower this city's boundless creativity.

"We will ensure creating opportunities for the local community is at the heart of this project. Willmott Dixon, alongside its supply chain partners, is set to deliver 300 hours of employment support to residents, creating two new employment opportunities for local people who are not in education, employment or training. We will also support 75 weeks of apprenticeship training for young people and volunteer upwards of 150 hours in support of local organisations."