Over a year after its reopening, The Grade II listed building is home to a range of Sheffield’s independent retailers, ranging from craft beer to art galleries. 

Once a workshop in the early 19th century, the building had been derelict for two decades before being restored as part of Sheffield City Council’s ‘Heart of the City’ scheme. 

Tom Wolfenden, Director of Leah’s Yard said: “We want to be a platform for local independence.

“One of the big things we did when we first opened was we wanted established independent brands, as well as having people who’ve never had a retail presence before.”

The space, which ‘brings Sheffield’s independent shopping, food and drink together under one roof’ now features a wine shop, a chocolate bar and cafe, a bookshop, and a gallery featuring the work of legendary Sheffield artist Pete McKee among other retailers.

Leah’s Yard hosted the Loose Lips stage of the Crossed Wires Podcast Festival, as well as having a number of local bands play at the site during Tramlines Festival.

Mr Wolfenden said: “We really try to lean into the stuff that’s going on around the city.”

The renovation of Leah’s Yard took place as part of the Sheffield Heart of the City development, which also saw the opening of the Cambridge Street Collective food court, and the Kapital Beer Hall. 

Mr Wolfenden said: “What’s interesting about what Heart of the City is doing is, it’s not just filled with chains. Kapital’s being run by three young local entrepreneurs, very few other cities would have them running such a premium space.

“There’s lots of local people going into these units, it’s quite typically Sheffield and it’s quite nice to see.” 

The site was listed on Historic England’s ‘Building at Risk’ register before being restored as part of Sheffield City Council’s £470m ‘Heart of the City’ scheme.

As well as housing a number of Sheffield based independent retailers, there are a number of businesses based in the offices above, such as the Persephonica Podcast Studio.

Mr Wolfenden hopes that Leah’s Yard encourages more people to visit shops in person. 

“You don’t just go and buy a book, you go and have a conversation with real people, Alex at the book shop [La Biblioteka] can make recommendations, same with Jules at the beer shop [Hop Hideout],” he said.

He added: “We’re going to be here for at least 15 years, it’s going to morph and change and follow trends, things will come and things will go and that’s what keeps it all fresh and exciting!”.