Leah’s Yard is Sheffield’s city centre creative hub, championing independent retailers and small businesses. Once a symbol of Sheffield’s industrial heritage, the Grade II* listed site has been transformed into a vibrant retail and trading space supporting independent retailers and small businesses as part of Sheffield City Council’s Heart of The City II project. Field collaborated with the Sheffield Tech Parks to reimagine Leah’s Yard, building a strong brand, visual identity, signage and website that would be pay homage to the historical significance while presenting it as a modern, vibrant destination.

At Field, we take a collaborative approach to understanding the unique needs of each project. From the project’s inception, we worked closely with project stakeholders Tom Wolfenden and James O’Hara, the council and planning team to ensure our design solutions aligned with both the cultural and business objectives. Our design approach blended historical elements and processes with contemporary aesthetics, ensuring every aspect of the branding and digital experience resonated with both the site’s legacy and its new identity as a creative hub.

Branding, Visual Identity Development

Field delivered a visual identity that bridges Leah’s Yard’s industrial past with its modern role as a community hub. Ensuring the logo, colour palette and typography reflect both tradition and creativity, appealing to the diverse audience of visitors and tenants.

Signage and Wayfinding

Field’s on-site signage guides visitors through the space while celebrating the unique architecture and historical significance of the building. A gold metallic print finish is used for tenants names – a nod to the past where gold leaf would have been applied.

Website

Field crafted a functional and intuitive holding website that showcased the breadth of independent talent at the heart of Leah’s Yard, highlighting the hub’s tenants, events, and history.

A new chapter for Leah’s Yard

Leah’s Yard now stands as a key city centre destination showcasing small businesses and independent retailers while preserving Sheffield’s industrial history. Field’s work successfully positioned the site as a cornerstone of the Heart of The City II project, ensuring theupmost respect was paid to the building (by the planners and architects) through preservation, with a modern twist. Field reflected this approach in their work for Leah’s Yard through considered branding and design. This breathed new life into Leah’s Yard, creating a space where Sheffield’s past and present converge.

Video footage by Pedalo
Photography by Pedalo and Fiona Finchett