OPEN days have been rescheduled at Portland Works near Bramall Lane in Sheffield where a community campaign is under way to buy the complex of Victorian industrial workshops. After being postponed last month because of snow, they are being held on Sundays January 30 and March 6, both from noon to 3pm.
After opposing plans to turn the grade II* building into flats, tenants and activists are stepping up efforts to keep it as an affordable and vibrant centre for small businesses such as metalworkers, artists and musicians. They are aiming to preserve its heritage by creating a social enterprise, setting a target of raising £750,000 by Easter through a community share issue, with shares worth £100 to £20,000.
The open days will include demonstrations of grinding, forging, knife making, engraving, plating, print making and talks. Guided tours will be held every 15 minutes.
The Randall Street building was the first place in the world to produce stainless steel and is home to 25 small metalworking businesses.
Portland Works, and neighbouring Stag Works, have also been used by musicians such as Def Leppard, Arctic Monkeys and Reverend and the Makers.
