Plans revealed for major development which could create 4,800 jobs
A public consultation has been launched detailing new proposals for a key site in Sheffield’s Lower Don Valley which could create 4,800 jobs.
British Land are seeking views to inform an outline planning application for their River Don District (RDD) located to the south of Meadowhall. The firm, which owns Meadowhall, said up to 4,800 new employment posts could be delivered on the site.
The plans being put forward would seek outline ‘in-principle’ planning permission to develop the derelict site to include industrial, research and complementary office space, as well space for amenities for future occupiers.
Paul Case, development director of British Land, said: “We want to develop the RDD to provide the type of units required to support local economic growth.
“More research is required to determine the best mix of premises to meet market demand – which is why we are applying for an outline planning permission at this stage – but the primary focus is supporting the future development of advanced manufacturing and health and wellbeing.”
British Land added there was a strong requirement for this kind of development with the growing number of manufacturing businesses in the area such as Boeing, Rolls Royce and McLaren and the health and wellbeing research being undertaken at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.
The firm said: “The RDD has an existing planning permission dating back ten years for an office-led, mixed-use scheme. The property market in this area is changing rapidly, so we will be submitting a new outline planning application in September to secure ‘in-principle’ approval for our plans for the site, whilst allowing flexibility to refine precisely what the final form of the development will be at a later date.
“Designs of buildings and scale and massing will be determined if outline permission is granted. Subsequent to the granting of outline planning permission, an application to approve the details of our plans would have to be approved before any development can progress.
“Advanced manufacturing and the health-related sectors are booming locally in an area increasingly referred to as the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID), with its primary focus around Waverley in Rotherham, Sheffield Business Park and the Lower Don Valley where the RDD is located. Despite this, land supply for these uses is limited. Our proposals would aim to change this.”
Designs of buildings and scale and massing would be determined after outline permission is granted as part of later full planning application, with further consultation being held.
The consultation will run until 21 September and a drop-in session is being held on Thursday 6 September, 2.30pm – 6.30pm at The Source Skills Academy, 300 Meadowhall Way, Sheffield, S9 1EA.
