Plans in for £300m Meadowhall leisure hall
THE joint owner of Meadowhall has submitted major plans for a £300m leisure hall at the shopping destination.
The proposed extension from British Land forms part of a five-year plan to extend the leisure offer at the centre and it will create 1,400 jobs upon completion. 540 jobs will be created during the construction phase.
British Land’s plans involve a 330,000 sq ft multi-level extension under a glazed roof offering new restaurants, a cinema to replace its existing offering, a cafe court, gym, more leisure space and an open air terrace.
Sheffield City Council is expected to make a decision in spring 2017.
It follows the £60m refurbishment currently underway and due to complete at the end of 2017.
Meadowhall has seen a resurgence with the likes of Ghost, Michael Kors, Diesel and Urban Decay opening stores at the centre in recent months.
Charles Maudsley, head of retail and leisure for British Land, said: “The exciting £60 million refurbishment completing next year, the continued leasing success and Leisure Hall plans combined reinforce our commitment to ensuring Meadowhall remains an outstanding place for modern consumer lifestyles.
“The Leisure Hall will continue Meadowhall’s evolution, creating a place with a bolder, broader and deeper leisure mix. The plans will provide a number of benefits to the entire Sheffield City Region and are complementary to other schemes coming forward which together ensure the region plays a central role in the Northern Powerhouse.”
Darren Pearce, Meadowhall centre director, added: “This is a major milestone for Meadowhall, and follows months of detailed consultation to ensure the proposals reflect what people want, from customers and community groups to retailers and restaurants.
“The response to the plans has been fantastic. People are encouraged by the level of investment being made, the quality of the design and architecture, the significant levels of new employment and training opportunities generated, and that the plans are adding something new to the Sheffield City Region.”
Richard Wright, executive director of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, added: “The Leisure Hall will be a jewel in the Sheffield City Region’s crown, set amongst other equally important investments in this great city.
“We therefore welcome British Land’s exciting plans and lend them our wholehearted support. They will reinvigorate Meadowhall and serve as a catalyst for further investment in the region.”
