Sheffield now has a dedicated Building Preservation Trust – and it’s set to make a lasting difference. Officially launching on Saturday, 12th July, Sheffield Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) has been formed by a dedicated group of volunteers with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Their mission: to conserve, celebrate and repurpose Sheffield’s historic buildings for the benefit of local communities.
The launch event, held in partnership with SAVE Britain’s Heritage, will take place this Saturday in Kelham Island at a fitting setting that reflects the Trust’s commitment to preserving Sheffield’s historic spaces. The day will feature talks from heritage campaigners, tours of the local area, and the opportunity to learn more about the Trust’s plans for the future. Fellow Heritage Network members are invited to come along, meet the team, and find out how to get involved.
Since coming together in 2021, SHBT’s founders – a mix of architects, heritage specialists, project managers, and educators – have worked closely with heritage groups across the city to understand the scale of the challenge. Co-chair Brian Holmshaw says, “Sheffield urgently needs a Building Preservation Trust to protect its commercial, domestic, civic and industrial built heritage and provide our buildings with a viable future use. We are so pleased that at long last in Sheffield Historic Buildings Trust we have such a vehicle.”
While their long-term aims are to take on and repurpose historic buildings at risk in Sheffield, the Trust have also been working closely with communities in the city. The formation of the Trust was at forefront of the Joined Up Heritage Strategy, which was adopted by Sheffield City Council in 2023. Early collaborations have included the Bower Spring Cementation Furnace project with the South Yorkshire Industrial History Society, where SHBT is supporting repair works and Community Heritage Skills days.
As the Trust grows, it aims to be inclusive and community-driven, working with initiatives like Sheffield and District African and Caribbean Community Association, Zest, and Roots and Futures to ensure a wide range of voices help shape Sheffield’s heritage future.
To learn more or get involved, email sheffieldhbt@gmail.com and follow @sheffieldhbt on Instagram.
Sheffield Historic Buildings Trust have been a member of the Heritage Network since 2024.
