APSS Appointed to Deliver Refurbishment of Iconic Henderson’s Relish Building for the University of Sheffield
APSS has been appointed by The University of Sheffield to deliver the refurbishment of the Henderson’s Relish building, a landmark site with deep roots in the city’s industrial and cultural identity.
The project will see the transformation of the historic building into a modern, flexible space that supports the University’s future needs, while carefully retaining the character that has made it such a recognisable part of Sheffield’s landscape.
The Henderson’s Relish name carries weight locally. It represents more than a product. It is part of the city’s story. The refurbishment brings an opportunity to protect that history while giving the building a clear, practical purpose for the next generation.
Blending Heritage With Performance
APSS were selected through a competitive tender process to lead the refurbishment works, bringing its experience in working within live education environments and adapting existing structures into high-performing spaces.
The scheme will focus on upgrading the internal environment to meet modern standards, including improvements to layout, building services and overall usability. The ground floor will be used for student engagement and enterprise events, open days and graduations and more. The first floor will be developed into office accommodation, including desks and a collaborative meeting space.
At the same time, the project will respect the building’s heritage features. Retaining character while improving performance is always a careful balance. It requires practical decisions, not over-design.
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A Strategic Project for the University
For the University of Sheffield, the refurbishment forms part of a wider programme to improve and futureproof its estate. Projects like this are not about cosmetic change. They are about making buildings more useful, more sustainable and more aligned with how students and staff now work.
The Henderson’s building offers a strong foundation. Its history gives it identity. The refurbishment will ensure it also delivers in terms of function.
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Delivering in a Constrained Environment
Working with existing buildings always brings challenges. Unknowns in the structure, integration of new services, and protecting original features all require detailed planning and coordination. APSS will manage the project from start through to completion, drawing on its in-house expertise across design, buildability and programme delivery to maintain control throughout.
This joined-up approach is key in projects like this. Decisions need to be made quickly and correctly. Keeping design and delivery aligned avoids unnecessary delays and protects quality.
Building on a Strong Track Record in Education
The appointment builds on APSS’s growing portfolio within the education sector, including previous refurbishment work at the University of Sheffield and other higher education environments.
Education projects demand a different level of understanding. Spaces need to perform across teaching, collaboration and independent use. They also need to be robust enough to handle constant use without losing quality. If a space works properly, the rest follows.
Looking Ahead
Once complete, the refurbished Henderson’s Relish building will provide the University with a high-quality, future-ready space, while preserving a piece of Sheffield’s heritage. For APSS, the project reflects what the business does best. Taking existing buildings and making them work harder, without losing what makes them worth keeping.
Works are scheduled to complete for Autunm 2026. We can’t wait to see this project progress.
