The high Court has granted an injunction against Sheffield University preventing it, or its partners, from demolishing the Grade II listed Edwardian Jessop Building. SAVE Britain’s Heritage and the Victorian Society requested the injunction following an exchange with the University’s solicitors revealing they were not prepared to delay demolition pending the outcome of Judicial Review proceedings.
Sheffield University unsuccessfully attempted to prevent the injunction, arguing that a hearing in the courts about whether an injunction should be permitted was more appropriate.
“This is a positive step for our campaign,” said Nick Roscoe of the Save Jessop Hospital Campaign. “It shows that the courts are satisfied that, on the basis of initial representations, there is a possibility that justice would have been impeded if the Edwardian building is demolished.”
A hearing will now take place on Thursday 27th June at the High Court in London to determine whether a judicial review will be allowed.
Valerie Bayliss of the South Yorkshire Group of Victorian Society welcomed the development, ” we continue to hope Sheffield University will consider seriously the options for a more sensitive use of the site that would respect the grade 2 listed building, which is a national asset. Re-use of historic buildings is well-established in the UK, and Sheffield University know well how to re-use this building whilst securing them expansion in their facilities”