A Sheffield homelessness charity is celebrating a “phenomenal response” from the city’s business community after three more companies signed up to back a £2m appeal to rebuild its city centre hub.

In February The Archer Project, which is based at Sheffield Cathedral, issued a call to businesses in Sheffield and the wider region to help rebuild and upgrade its centre on Campo Lane.

The centre, which opened in 2006, requires much-needed repairs and upgrades so staff can continue helping people at all stages of homelessness.

Now, steel producer and engineering firm Sheffield Forgemasters, surgical blade manufacturer Swann Morton and construction and civil engineering contractor McLaughlin & Harvey have pledged their support for the charity’s Rebuilding our Centre appeal.

Gary Nutter, chief executive officer at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “As a Sheffield business celebrating our 250th anniversary and investing for generations to come, we want to support The Archer Project to set itself up for future generations too.

“We are supporting the appeal by providing labour and materials, as well as engaging with our supply base to see how they can also help.

“It will take a real team effort, and we hope more organisations will get behind the appeal so the renovation can be completed and continue supporting the local community.”

Swann Morton has also confirmed its sponsorship of The Archer Project’s medical room, supporting the charity’s on-site health provision for people who may otherwise struggle to access it.

A spokesperson for the surgical blade manufacturer added: “Swann Morton is proud of its long-standing association with The Archer Project, including our support for the Walter Swann Medical Room.

“We look forward to continuing our support as the refurbishment plans move forward.”

McLaughlin & Harvey is backing the rebuild as part of the wider project team, supporting with design management and overseeing the construction programme through to completion.

Jonathan Cole, operations director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “The Archer Project provides a vital lifeline for people in Sheffield, and we’re pleased to support its plans to rebuild and upgrade its centre.

“We want to help the charity create a space that is fit for the future and can continue supporting people away from homelessness.”

The latest support comes after a combined £211,849 was donated to the charity by the Bramall Foundation and Sheffield ward councillors for City Ward, Douglas Johnson, Ruth Mersereau and Martin Phipps. Sheffield Cathedral continues to support the charity and the rebuild plans by providing the space from which its services are delivered.

Latest Sheffield City Council figures show homelessness presentations were around 3,800 in 2024/25. As of 31 March 2025, 739 households were in temporary accommodation in the city. [1]

Joe Logan, head of fundraising at The Archer Project, said: “The response to our campaign has been nothing short of phenomenal.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Sheffield Forgemasters, Swann Morton and McLaughlin & Harvey for backing our plans to rebuild our centre.

“This support from three major Sheffield employers is a real boost for the campaign and sends a clear message that businesses across our city want to be part of the solution.”

The Archer Project estimates the rebuild will generate a total net social value of £85m over 15 years, with around £4 of social value returned for every £1 invested.

The charity’s roots go back to the late 1980s, when members of the Cathedral congregation began offering tea and toast to people experiencing homelessness who needed somewhere to go. In 2007, the charity moved into purpose-built premises within the Cathedral.

The fundraising campaign is now underway. The charity is offering sponsorship opportunities, including financial support and pro-bono, in-kind contributions. Further supporters will be announced as the appeal gathers momentum across Sheffield and the wider Yorkshire region.

Businesses interested in supporting The Archer Project can find out more by searching ‘Archer Project rebuild’.

For further information on the charity, visit www.archerproject.org.uk