Sheffield shopping scheme makes major development

Sheffield Retail Quarter has been provided with a huge boosts after Sheffield City Council submitted an outline planning application for the scheme.

During the public consultation on the development, approximately over 3,000 people visited a public exhibition and nearly 600 written comments were sent.

Councillor Leigh Bramall, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Development, said: “The overriding message from the public consultation was to simply get on with it. Sheffield is crying out for a new city centre with new shops. We understand that there is scepticism after the previous Sevenstone scheme and this application shows that we are determined to make this happen, and happen fast.

“The purchase of the land is well underway and we will shortly be shortlisting the last three potential development partners. We’re right on track to start work on site next year, with the majority of shops opening in 2019.”

The plans, which are currently on the Council’s planning website, will see the area around Barkers Pool, Pinstone Street and Moorhead transformed with new shops, offices, restaurants and flats.

Sheffield Retail Quarter could create around 2,500 jobs and bring in approximately an additional £300m a year to the city centre that people currently spend elsewhere.

The outline planning application features the main themes from the public consultation, including space for a mix of aspirational brands, high street shops and the independent stores that give Sheffield its character. Historical buildings such as Leah’s Yard and The Citadel (Salvation Army building) will be preserved, as well as facades along Pinstone Street and of the old Sunday School.

Sheffield is also well known for incorporating green spaces and the environment, and this theme will be reflected in the development. The city’s public spaces will be of the same high quality as other popular spots like the Peace Gardens and there will be plenty of space for both pedestrians and cyclists, as well as over 2,000 car parking spaces.

as well as having live, growing ‘green roofs’ with sustainable drainage systems, the buildings could also have ‘brown roofs’ which provide different habitats and some could have ‘blue roofs’ which will collect rainwater for use in the scheme. Solar panels and district heating are amongst the other options in the plans..

A decision is expected on the application by the end of the year and, if it receives consent, a more detailed application can then be submitted.

Notices are being served on the small number of businesses and residents still on site as and when required, so that preparatory work can begin as soon as possible. This strategy reflects the needs of both the Council and those affected.

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