Lord Mayor Of Sheffield Opens Whirlow Hall Farm Trust Visitors Cafe And Farm Shop

By Darren Southgate

Very proud of this project, supporting a Charitable Trust with the design and delivery of a fabulous new visitors building and farm shop. Opened by the 124th Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Gail Smith, on Wednesday 13th October 2021, using sheep shears to cut the ribbon. Keith Lilley addressed the crowd, welcoming the Lord Mayor, thanking the team and reflecting on the importance of helping young people from all backgrounds. The facilities have been a roaring success since they commercially opened earlier this year, supporting the onward work of the Charitable Trust’s core educational activities moving forward. The Board should be praised for its vision, Hugh Facey for his considerable contribution, Ben Davies CEO, Keith Lilley Chairman of the Board, current and past trustees for their input and drive and all the volunteers. Ben Davies, undertook client day to day decision making and drove the interior scheme, with the addition of some unique features, very much talking points when enjoying a coffee. Helen and Liesl from SASA worked with Brightside Construction, Tony, Karen and Dale Gaffney and their team, on a modernist hybrid scheme, conjoining a traditional barn to a flat roof extension with a projecting canopy and full glass wall with sliding doors. Brightside came forward with a number of ideas including vaulted trusses, which really lifted the sense of space in the original barn. The external terrace is ‘the place’ to enjoy a relaxing view across the valley, sufficiently raised to look over the adjacent play area, a great selling feature for all the families who combine relaxing coffee, enjoying the great outdoors whilst keeping an eye on their children playing on the outdoor equipment. Tim Castle from Castle Owen provided Project Management, Principal Designer and Clerk of Works services for the scheme, Andy Marshall from Eastwood & Partners structural and civil and Richard Jackson from Arup undertook MEP Services. HLM and DLP obtained the original planning consent for the site.