£70m shopping and leisure destination set to open

Sheffield’s food and drink scene is to receive a boost with the opening of the £70m New Era Square development.

New Era Square at St Mary’s Gate features restaurants, street food kiosks, the city’s largest oriental supermarket and shops – all located around a modern public square.

From next month, New Era Square – which also includes over 650 student residences, apartments and penthouses, plus a Grade A office building and gym – will finally be able to fully open its doors and welcome visitors.

Developer Jerry Cheung said the 430,000 sq ft development promises to be an exciting destination for visitors looking to discover somewhere new to socialise following 12 months of lockdowns.

“New Era Square blends the dynamism and energy of modern China and South East Asia with the best of Western culture,” explained Cheung.

“Despite the difficulties posed by Covid, we’ve completed the development only two months later than planned and the site is now almost fully let.

“This summer, visitors can look forward to shopping relaxing, socialising and connecting again over food and drink in our vibrant and attractive public square.”

OISOI, Sheffield’s Asian restaurant brand, has already opened its latest venue, OISOI Gathering at New Era Square, while another new addition, Yum Yum Bites, is serving Taiwanese street food.

Several other new eateries, which are currently being fitted out and will open between June and September this year, include a burger restaurant, a large sports bar and a Japanese restaurant called Doki Kagoshima.

Lykke – a Scandinavian-styled café – will round off the truly multicultural offer at New Era Square, serving up Nordic and north European cuisine.

Within the development, there are also several kiosks, a breakfast restaurant, a BBQ restaurant, hair salon and travel agent.

Also, student lettings firm Unihomes has taken a full floor in a six-storey commercial block at the development and is due to take up residence in early summer.

Jerry Cheung

And an ultrasound clinic and medical centre, which are currently being fitted out, are due to open in April and June respectively at the same location.

Cheung added: “New Era Square is a beautiful contemporary development that we are very proud to have delivered.

“It offers a rich mix to its residents and visitors. The square itself is Yorkshire’s newest public space and we’ve installed a family of eye-catching panda sculptures to provide a striking welcome.

“Pandas are regarded as a symbol for friendship and peace, and they reflect what we are trying to achieve here – a destination with a unique identity where Sheffield’s residents and visitors of all age groups and cultures can come together and enjoy.”