Member Article

Massive crane at St Paul's Place underlines renewed confidence in Sheffield's economy

The Sheffield skyline has been transformed by a 55-metre tower crane, which is playing a pivotal role in the construction of 3 St Paul’s Place.

The Terex CTL crane, which has a maximum reach of 40 metres and can lift nearly 12 tonnes, will remain on site for 38 weeks before being dismantled in July next year.

It is being operated by Bowmer & Kirkland, the leading Derbyshire-based construction company, the main contractor for 3 St Paul’s Place.

Work on site is now well under way at the 10-storey 3 St Paul’s Place, the final part of the pioneering £130 million Heart of the City project and the first speculative office building in Sheffield to be developed since the recession.

David Topham, director of award-winning Manchester-based developers CTP, commented: “The arrival of this massive crane is a telling indication of the progress we are making at 3 St Paul’s Place. It is also a symbol of the revival of confidence in Sheffield city centre and a sign of the burgeoning South Yorkshire economy.

“These are exciting times for St Paul’s Place. Accountancy giant PwC has just moved into 1 St Paul’s Place, taking 7,000 sq ft of prime office space for their 80 staff. Occupiers already there include law firm DLA Piper and Barclays, making it a high-quality office location,” he added.

Cllr Leigh Bramall, Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Development commented; ““It’s great to see another crane on the Sheffield skyline. This development is another sign of the growing business, professional and financial services sector in the city which is a vital part of a dynamic and diverse economy that offers well paid jobs. This is a really positive indication that the local economy is moving forward again.”

Andy Ward, PwC’s managing partner in Sheffield, explained: “This move will give us the additional space we need as we continue to recruit and attract the best talent and expand our client base. More than anything it will be somewhere we will be proud to welcome our staff, clients and our community partners.”

The construction of 3 St Paul’s Place went ahead following a landmark agreement between CTP and Development Securities with Sheffield City Council and the Department for Communities and Local Government.

3 St Paul’s Place will comprise 76,000 sq ft of prime Grade A office space with each 8,000 sq ft floor offering offices suites from 2,000 sq ft. It is rated BREAM Excellent and will be completed and ready for occupation during the last quarter of next year.

CTP and Development Securities are being supported by Sheffield City Council, regeneration agency Creative Sheffield, SCR JESSICA, which was set up to support infrastructure and real estate investment opportunities across the region, and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

David Topham explained: “3 St Paul’s Place is the final jigsaw in the tremendously successful Heart of the City project. We are confident that the quality of 3 St Paul’s Place, combined with its location, will ensure that occupiers for the building are swiftly found. Interest has been exceptionally strong already.

“3 St Paul’s Place will enjoy spectacular views over the renowned Peace Gardens and Millennium Square. It is also close to all the retail and leisure facilities of the city centre, together with the central bus and train stations and a number of car parks, including the new multi-storey Q-Park.

“The overall development has created a new central business district for the city centre and has set a high benchmark as to the quality of the workplace provided, the architecture of the building and surrounding areas,” said Mr Topham.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Beaumont .