Business leaders want progress on Sheffield retail scheme

BUSINESS leaders in Sheffield have called for swift progress to speed up development of the city’s stalled Sevenstone retail scheme.

It comes after yesterday’s announcement that developer Hammerson has pulled out of the project following a mutual agreement with Sheffield City Council that it would look for a new partner for the scheme.

Now business leaders want to see the scheme developed as quickly as possible to prevent Sheffield losing out to regional city rivals such as Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham and Liverpool.

Richard Wright, executive director of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce said: “The retail development in Sheffield city centre is an important project which will be the catalyst for economic growth in the sector. Clearly something needed to change in order for it to progress, so we support this.

“There remains a significant and urgent need to get on with the project to prevent further leakage of shoppers to outside of the city region.

“Plans for Sevenstone were initially created in 2005 and there have been many changes on the High Street since then.

“This decision will now allow the city council and partners to revaluate what is needed to ensure Sheffield jumps ahead and stays in front of the competition from other cities, such as Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham and Liverpool.

“We have been very clear that the development needs to be something distinctive and right for our city and one which complements the offer at Meadowhall. It must be bespoke, represent quality, provide a special environment for people to visit and reflect the future world of retailing in a digital age.”

The Council said it will seek a new investment partner to develop a new retail quarter (NRQ) in Sheffield city centre. 

It is anticipated that the new scheme will include up to 700,000 sq ft of retail space with extensive food and entertainment venues along with a multi storey car park.

Hammerson is also the developer behind the Victoria Gate scheme in Leeds.