Empty shops become art galleries

Shops in Sheffield which have been left empty while a recession-hit redevelopment project is on hold have been filled with works of art.

The city centre Sevenstone shopping development was delayed earlier this year, leaving the area between Moor and Fargate looking run-down.

The empty shops have now been repainted and the windows have been dressed with an art installation.

Sheffield City Council said the art would be changed every month.

Artist Joe Scarborough said: "What a great thing to just walk down and look at everything in the window, something brand new that you haven't seen before."

Work on the £600m Sevenstone retail scheme was due to begin last year, with completion due in 2011, but in August the start date was put back to this summer.

It was announced in January that it would be put on hold indefinitely until the economy recovers.

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