Retail renaissance

A ground-breaking £500m regeneration project for Sheffield City Centre is set to become a reality following the recent approval of developer Hammerson’s outline planning application for the new retail Quarter (NRQ).

The landmark decision was made by Sheffield City Council, following detailed consideration and months of public consultation. The approval of the plans, which explain the main principles of the scheme, rather than any detailed building design, represents an historic moment in the development of Sheffield.

A project that will bring huge investment to the city and establish Sheffield as one of the region’s leading retail and leisure destinations, the NRQ will offer 860,000 sq ft of prime retail accommodation including a 260,000 sq ft John Lewis store, as well as residential apartments, a health club and leisure facilities. due to be completed in 2012, it will put Sheffield on the map as a place to live, work and visit.

Hammerson will now begin the appointment of a series of architects who will be asked to design different elements of the scheme, including individual buildings. Award winning architects, O’Donnell + Tuomey, have already been tasked with designing the flagship John Lewis store which is due to begin construction in 2008.

Carolyn Kenney, assistant director at Hammerson, said: “it is a momentous day for the NRQ project and the regeneration of Sheffield City Centre. This scheme will totally revitalise Sheffield’s retail offering, attracting major retailers to the heart of the city. “When complete, the NRQ will bring together the already distinct shopping areas of The Moor, Fargate and Devonshire Quarter to create a city centre shopping experience with real choice and variety.

We will now be working with leading architects to create a vibrant and innovative retail, living and leisure environment of which the city can be proud.”

Cllr Robert Macdonald, Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic regeneration, Culture and Planning, said: “Sheffield’s New Retail Quarter is one of the cornerstones of the masterplan and will provide a major boost to the already flourishing physical and economic revival of the city centre. This incredibly important project will make a fundamental difference to the economic fortunes of Sheffield and the whole region and that will benefit everyone. Sheffield will be up there, competing with the best, not just in the UK, but across Europe.”

Hammerson will work in partnership with Sheffield City Council and English Partnerships to deliver the project. Construction of the scheme, to be located to the west of Pinstone Street, between Barker’s Pool and Moorhead, is due to begin in 2008. The first phase, including the John Lewis store, is planned for completion in 2010.

For more information please visit www.sheffieldnrq.co.uk