The appointment to restore architect Edward William Mountford’s Renaissance Revival-style landmark follows a competitive selection process led by Sheffield City Council.​ According to the council, the ‘transformative’ project aims to ‘breathe new life into the historic building, ensuring its long-term sustainability and continued role as a central hub for civic life in Sheffield’. FCBS has growing ties with Sheffield. Its transformation of the historic Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings was among the winners at the AJ’s Retrofit & Reuse Awards 2024,.Advertisement Last year it completed the nearby £40 million Leah’s Yard mixed-use redevelopment, which also repurposed and reintegrated existing heritage buildings as part of the council’s £470 million Heart of the City II development covering the 7ha area between Barker’s Pool, Pinstone Street and Charter Row. Speaking about the town hall win, FCBS partner and director of heritage and creative reuse Geoff Rich said: ‘The project represents an exciting opportunity to complement the building’s unique heritage with inclusive and sustainable design, and to ensure the [building] meets the future needs of Sheffield’s communities. Council leader Tom Hunt, who chairs its strategy and resources policy committee, added: ‘Our iconic and historic town hall is at the heart of Sheffield’s democracy and public life. ‘From weddings to citizenship ceremonies, council meetings and elections, this special building has a unique place in the lives of Sheffield residents. ‘[This scheme] will breathe new life into the town hall so that the building can continue to serve everyone in our city and be a modern, accessible workplace.’Advertisement The building was opened by Queen Victoria in 1897. Three years ago, a council investigation found serious problems with the structure, including fire safety issues, no ventilation in the council chamber and leaks from an old diesel tank. A future timeframe for the restoration work has yet to be set out. Source:Pedalo PhotographyLeah's Yard in Sheffield by FCBS