SRDG reveals major plans to transform Sheffield city centre economy

The Sheffield Retail Development Group (SRDG) has announced a major new plan for Sheffield City Centre.

With three years worth of development and consultations already taken place, the SRDG concept has been developed in partnership with Chapman Taylor, the international master planner and retail architect, to ensure that the city centre underpins economic growth, meets the needs of its citizens and visitors alike in a modern and changing world of retail and leisure.

The plan, scheduled to be delivered by 2018, which aims to transform the economy of Sheffield consists of:

• A vibrant mixed scheme that provides for retail, leisure, business/office and residential needs
• The flow of people and transport in a contemporary manner with green public spaces for people to relax and enjoy their leisure time and at the same retaining Barkers Pool, The Peace Gardens and Fargate.
• The adoption of an underground car park for almost 3000 places.
• The needs of the changing world of retail and the upsurge in ‘click and collect’
• A distinctive leisure offer to attract and keep people in the Centre with provision for independent retailers, restaurants and cultural activities
• The desire of John Lewis to stay in its existing position - at the same time enhancing the store visibility to the visitor with improved footfall. (John Lewis will be able to continue trading without interruption).
• The reinforcement of centre linkages, maintaining the viability of Fargate and the Moor Market.
• The retention of every listed and iconic building that gives Sheffield its unique character (unlike the Council’s current plans which sweep away the heritage of Cambridge Street).
• A new Sheffield arts and convention centre which would be home to a new Sheffield Symphony Orchestra led by the renowned composer and conductor Tolga Kashif

In addition, approximately half a million sq ft of shops, grade A offices, restaurants, bars would fill a connecting series of new continental style squares, pedestrianised streets, and alleyways, creating contrasting areas for street performances and outdoor events to take place throughout the year.

Cambridge Street would become the new focus for independent retailers to be at the very centre of the scheme, leading out of Leah’s Yard into a pop up street market.

John Crowther, SRDG Chairman, said: “Our plan is to leave John Lewis where it is now so that they could immediately invest in refurbishing their current store with confidence. They would also be able to extend their shop floor into their car park.

“Even though the streets and squares would be pedestrianised and bicycle friendly, we plan to make this possible by creating a ten acre underground car park for nearly three thousand vehicles. The car park would be easy to drive in to from all sides of the city and remove the ‘rat runs’ and one ways that jam up easily. Visitors would enjoy at least an hour’s free parking to give a vital boost to traders - and also support footfall on The Moor.”

The SRDG will also further announce how their scheme will create a cultural heart to the city to the benefit of Sheffield locals. Furthermore, SRDG will showcase how the transformed centre will create opportunities to incubate new businesses and creative activities.

The SRDG was established three years ago by a group of local businessmen and professionals who were frustrated by the lack of progress over 13 years of the Council’s partnership with Hammerson’s.

As for its current proposal, the SRDG formed partnerships with Chapman Taylor, Capita Services, BAM Construction, and Central Retail.

Mr Crowther said: “Over the last two years, we attempted to engage in debate about the concept with the Council but without success. Furthermore there were fundamental issues with the proposed Council scheme that affected its practical and commercial viability that meant it was not for us.

“We have assembled a world-class team with Chapman Taylor, BAM Construction, Capita Services and Central Retail. Furthermore we have identified a Funding Partner who would back our scheme – but the Council want to do it their way and obviously feel they have the knowledge, skills and track record to be a major developer.

“SRDG is made up of Sheffield based business people and professionals whose motivation is not just about making money out of the development, passing the profit to the shareholders and moving on. We actually care about the success of the City Centre in the long term.

“We will be announcing more detail about our plans, particularly the leisure and cultural aspects and the funding package.”

Mr Crowther added: “If Sheffield gets it right then the citizens and businesses of Sheffield will benefit. In fact, we believe the right scheme will transform the reputation of Sheffield. The wrong scheme will result in another failed project, a missed opportunity and Sheffield being consigned to being a second rung city – a junior partner in the Northern Powerhouse.”

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