We want to preserve and expand a community of small-scale manufacturing and creative businesses, through buying, renovating and managing as a community-owned social enterprise a historic industrial building threatened with redevelopment.

This is a new venture using an old building of historic importance not only for Sheffield but for the world: Portland Works was the first place where stainless steel was used in manufacturing.  It is still home to a community of small metalworking and craft businesses, alongside artists and musicians.  It represents the kind of space which is disappearing from our cities, yet is vital to sustaining skills and creativity.  

In 2010 a group of volunteers and tenants came together to oppose a planning application for residential redevelopment of the Works.  The campaign then evolved into a Community Benefit Society – the Portland Works Little Sheffield IPS - which aims to purchase the Works and manage it as a community-owned social enterprise.  Our vision is of a democratically-owned and run enterprise, providing low-cost workshop and studio space, and investing its profits in supporting training and educational activities, expanding the availability of space for small, innovative businesses and restoring the building to its former glory. 

To fund this we must raise £750,000 in the next few months.  We launched Sheffield’s first community share issue in June 2011, and are seeking donors and investors who wish to become members of the Society.

For more information visit our website or email us at info@portlandworks.co.uk.