Developer hired as £480m Retail Quarter moves a step forward
SHEFFIELD’S £480m Retail Quarter has moved one step closer with the appointment of developers Queensberry Real Estate.
Queensberry has become the strategic development partner for the scheme which is predicted to bring 2,500 jobs to Sheffield.
QRE will help drive the scheme forward, refine plans and negotiate with retailers, having developed 8 million sq ft of retail space over the past 20 years.
Public consultation on the Sheffield Retail Quarter was opened last year which saw 3,000 people view and comment on proposals. A planning application was submitted in August 2015.
Notices were being served on the businesses and residents still on site so that preparatory work can begin as soon as possible.
It has also been announced that HSBC was considering bringing its Sheffield operations to the new Retail Quarter.
Councillor Leigh Bramall, deputy leader of Sheffield City Council and Cabinet Member for Business and Economy, said: “We are delighted to announce Queensberry Real Estate as preferred bidder to become our Strategic Development Partner for Sheffield Retail Quarter. This is a key milestone and a significant step forward in the delivery of the scheme, which will provide a transformational development in the heart of our city centre.”
“Through the award-winning schemes they have delivered in Belfast, Manchester and Bath among others, they have developed strong working relationships with many of the retailers and leisure operators we are looking to bring to Sheffield. We look forward to working with Queensberry as we refine the plans for the Sheffield Retail Quarter.”
Paul Sargent, CEO of Queensberry said: “My team has been focused for the last 18 months on winning this major instruction. It is a dream come true. A scheme that meets the scale of our ambition and challenges our creative experiences to date.
“We will work seamlessly with Sheffield City Council to deliver the long awaited regeneration of the city centre. Our joint plans will be cutting-edge and inspirational, placing the city at the forefront of the next revolution in urban placemaking.”
