Luxury furniture and lighting retailer announces acquisition of landmark Park Hill building

Sheffield-based luxury furniture and lighting retailer, Nest, has announced the acquisition of a second site, in a move which will see the team establish a dedicated design destination within the city’s iconic Park Hill development.

Purchasing the Scottish Queen, a landmark building at the heart of Phase one of the award-winning redevelopment project which once housed one of the four original onsite pubs, the space spans an impressive 3,500 sq. ft and includes a basement and terraces to both sides.

Situated within Europe’s largest Grade II listed building, Nest’s CEO and founder, Christian Hawley, says the industrial interior of the unit ‘perfectly encapsulates’ Sheffield’s history, while the ‘breath-taking’ views over the city centre provides the business with excellent display and photoshoot opportunities.

He said: “If you love concrete and modern brutalist buildings, then it doesn’t get any better, and when I first visited the space during an exhibition a few years ago I knew it would be the perfect location for Nest.
“I knew there and then that if we ever had the opportunity to acquire the site we would try and make it happen.”

A joint venture between Urban Splash and Places for People, amenities already in situ onsite at Park Hill include a vegan/veggie café South Street Kitchen, seating areas and play pieces on the sculpture plinths in the landscaped areas.

S1Artspace is also based on site, convenience store Park Hill Provisions is due to open in the coming months, and more retail and leisure operators are expected in the coming year.

Fit-out plans are now underway on the Scottish Queen which is centrally located close to the Sheffield Parkway, and within walking distance of the train station, making it ideally situated for local customers, as well as those travelling from out of town.

With work expected to complete in the Autumn the new showroom will be open by appointment for residential interior designers, contractors and members of the public; housing fresh and iconic designs from a network of suppliers from all over the world.

Nest was advised on the purchase of the site by Cathy Thomas at Mason Thomas Law.

Commenting Christian said: “The Scottish Queen is a beautiful building at the heart of Park Hill, which in itself is an iconic and historical landmark in Sheffield.

“Its breath-taking views over the city makes it an ideal location for dedicated Nest events and photoshoots, and the building itself perfectly encapsulates Sheffield’s industrial heritage.

“It is an ideal base for a business which is rooted locally, and the perfect home for our new, dedicated design destination.

“Plans are now underway to design and develop the space further and we’re excited to be working towards an Autumn opening.”

Nicky Harries, senior commercial lettings manager for Park Hill, said: “Nest is an established Sheffield brand and will be a fantastic addition to our thriving community at Park Hill.

“The space in the Scottish Queen is ideal for their needs and we are confident it will add to Park Hill becoming even more of a destination, offering an ideal opportunity for those looking for beautifully designed pieces for their home. And of course it will be great for our residents to have on their doorstep too."

Founded in Sheffield in 2003, Nest is now a go-to design destination that celebrates great talent and is dedicated to sourcing and selling high-quality, authentic modern design.

Image: Max Hawley