Plans approved for buzzing new neighbourhood in Sheffield Mesters' Village
Plans to transform a patch of weeds opposite Eyewitness Works into Sheffield’s coolest new neighbourhood have been approved. Social impact developer Capital&Centric can now push ahead with Fitzwilliam - 192 new rental homes, a plant-packed courtyard, and shared spaces where people can work, chill out, and get to know their neighbours.
Fitzwilliam sits right across from Capital&Centric’s Eyewitness Works – where they’ve already restored two Grade II listed cutlery works and delivered Brunswick, their industrial-style new build. The new neighbourhood will knit into the existing community, with Eyewitness residents invited to use Fitzwilliam’s shared spaces too.
The designs draw on Sheffield’s industrial heritage, with robust brick and black steel nodding to the makers who built the city. Both blocks step up to six storeys, with a rooftop terrace opening up views of the Steel City.
Fitzwilliam is the next step for the 15-acre Mesters’ Village Masterplan. Over the next decade, around 2,500 homes will be joined by makers’ spaces, co-working hubs, cafés, delis, and even a school. The vision celebrates Sheffield’s industrial past – ‘mesters’ being the city’s craftsmen – while creating space for today’s creators and indies.
John Moffat, Joint Managing Director at Capital&Centric, said:
“This is a huge moment for Sheffield and for Mesters’ Village. We’ve already created something special at Eyewitness, and Fitzwilliam is going to add a whole new layer to that energy. We’re talking proper community spaces, a lush courtyard to kick back in, a rooftop with views across the city and homes that feel like home. Mesters’ Village is all about celebrating the makers and creators who shaped Sheffield, and making space for the next generation to do the same. And we don’t plan to stop here, our vision could see up to 2,500 homes over the next decade alongside places to work, hang out and for families.”
The homes will be run by Ollo, Capital&Centric’s lifestyle rental brand. Ollo was named BTR Operator of the Year at Property Week’s RESI Awards 2025, with residents loving the community events, rapid-response maintenance, and Scandi-designed interiors. All the Fitzwilliam homes come kitted out with HAY furniture, eco-certified fabrics, and they’re pet-friendly too.
Beyond the building itself, Capital&Centric is greening up the streets around Fitzwilliam. Thomas Street gets trees, benches, and local artwork that celebrates Sheffield’s heritage. Fitzwilliam, Milton, and Egerton Streets all get more planting, better lighting, and pocket spots where people can stop and hang out. A new pedestrian route will stitch the neighbourhood into Eyewitness and the wider area.
With the green light secured, Capital&Centric aims to start work on Fitzwilliam in early 2027, with the new homes, shared spaces, and green courtyard ready to welcome people from spring 2029.
Elsewhere in Sheffield, Capital&Centric is also transforming the long-abandoned Cannon Brewery into a creative new neighbourhood with plans for 500 homes, workspaces, a public square and community facilities. Work is already underway, with Sheffield city centre’s first indoor padel club, Club de Padel, opening last year.
