Member Article

400 Sheffield jobs to be created with £65 million Chinese development

Over 400 new Sheffield jobs have been announced as part of a £65 million Chinese development near the city centre.

Plans for the scheme between Bramall Lane and London Road were announced will include student accommodation, retail units, food outlets, office space and an exhibition hall.

A consortium of six investors from mainland China have put money into the scheme for a business incubator to help businesses to break into the Chinese market and provide those in China with a way into the UK.

The plans have been submitted to Sheffield Council and it is hoped construction work will begin in early 2015 and be finished in the summer of 2016.

Jerry Cheung, managing director of New Era Development UK Limited, said:“This development is a significant inward investment in the Sheffield City Region. It is a landmark project for an area of the city which will be transformed into a modern, cultural and enjoyable location for all.

“The investors from China are key business individuals and are very keen to promote and showcase the incubator facility we are looking to create in Sheffield to their contacts in the Far East.

“This will offer a fantastic opportunity for any business looking to break into the Chinese market. It would also provide businesses in China with a UK market entry through Sheffield.

“We began work on this project a number of years ago, but in the last 18 months we began to purchase land to take forward our plans and make them a reality.

“We have liaised closely with Sharrow Community Forum, Sheffield City Council, St Mary’s Church and Sheffield United Football Club on the proposals, plus local businesses.

Julie Dore, leader of Sheffield City Council said: “The New Era Square project is an exciting step forward for the city of Sheffield and will bring with it a number of benefits.

“Investment such as this in the city is vital to keep the local and regional economy robust and this will be a fantastic opportunity to boost our international trade and investment links with China.

“The multi-use development will create a modern and cultural hub that will be a significant landmark for the city and I am very much looking forward to seeing the project come to life over the coming months.”

“If granted planning permission, the project is to start construction in early 2015 with the aim to be completed by the summer of 2016 in-time for the new student intake that September.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .