Lib Dems seek urgent review into John Lewis listing

Sheffield Liberal Democrats are gravely concerned about the financial implications to the taxpayers of Sheffield after the listing of the John Lewis building.

The council's Finance Sub-Committee heard just 3 weeks ago about the building's state of disrepair. They approved a £1.3m spend to urgently demolish the car park due to health and safety concerns.

16 developers did show interest in the site before the listing - while demolition was still an option. It is unknown what impact the listing will have on the future development opportunities of the former John Lewis building. If a developer isn't found quickly, Sheffield taxpayers will be left to pick up the bill.

With the council already on the verge of bankruptcy, the Lib Dems worry that this new financial burden will make it even more difficult for them to provide essential services like social care.

Calling for a review into the listing, Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed, Leader of the Sheffield Liberal Democrats said:

"I am flabbergasted to see senior members of the Labour-led council welcome the listing of the former John Lewis building last week. The decision to list the building will seriously limit its future development opportunities.

"We need to be ambitious for Sheffield and ambitious for our city centre. But the listing on this building really limits its future and makes any development extremely expensive - right when we're all feeling the pinch.

"The council recently sought developers for the site and had 16 expressions of interest while demolition was still on the table. It is unknown how many are likely to proceed. But with the council already having to spend £1.3m because of health & safety issues with the car park, I really worry this could turn into a bottomless pit if a developer can't be found quickly.

"People in Sheffield are struggling to make ends meet and they should not have to bear the burden of this building when other options are available.

"The council has 28 days to ask for a review into this decision. If we want to protect Sheffield residents, be ambitious for our city, and get us back on track, we must do that urgently."