A campaign group is seeking a two-year community asset transfer agreement with Sheffield City Council to bring the Grade II listed Meersbrook Hall back into use after it has stood empty since 2023. Under the proposal, the council would retain ownership while the Friends of Meersbrook Hall would take over day-to-day management, gradually reintroducing community activities to prevent the historic building from deteriorating further.

The Friends group was initially granted a two-month access licence from August and plans events including a community clean-up weekend and a picnic while it develops a full business case. Built as a family home in the 18th century, the hall was bought by Sheffield Corporation in 1887, became the Ruskin Museum in 1890, and later served as council offices before Heeley Trust occupied it from 2016 to 2023. The group says roof repairs, mould removal and accessibility improvements will likely be needed before the building can reopen to the public.