Further delays for Hammerson’s £600m Sheffield retail development

Permalink: Further delays for Hammerson’s £600m Sheffield retail development
by Lin Freestone

Speculation surrounds the future of a Hammerson development which, in August 2006, received outline planning approval for the proposed New Retail Quarter in Sheffield.

The approval was granted by Sheffield City Council, following detailed consideration and months of public consultation. The plans explained the main principles of the scheme, rather than any detailed building design.

BDP is the masterplanner of the £600m redevelopment, which has been rebranded as Sevenstone, in collaboration with an architectural team selected by Hammerson.

On 27 October 2008, Sheffield City councillors were asked to approve revised designs for certain elements of the scheme, which included a rework of the appearance of a proposed multi-storey car park.

The car park now incorporates less steel mesh cladding, more glazing and more vegetation running down the walls to help soften the appearance of the ten-storey building, which is due to stand next to the new John Lewis department store, which is the anchor to the development.

Members welcomed the changes to the design but thought there was scope for further improvements to reduce a metal grille-like appearance. While reaffirming the view that the car park is an important part of the overall scheme, given the size they want to make sure the finish is top notch.

Hammerson has warned that the £600m project is being jeopardised by the latest response from the council, and the company is taking a long hard look at the project, which has already secured widespread public and expert support.

There are rumours suggesting that the development has been put on hold. Hammerson insists delays have been due to compulsory purchase order issues, but admits that it is moving forward cautiously.

Carolyn Kenney, project director for Hammerson, has commented that the company is continuing to take a prudent approach to all development, given current market conditions, and it is unlikely that any major schemes, including Sevenstone, will start before summer.

Hammerson considers that the reaction of the planning board is undermining confidence and sending a negative message to the John Lewis group, whose new department store is intended to anchor the quarter.

The Hammerson development is in partnership with Sheffield City Council, English Partnerships and Creative Sheffield. Creating a new retail heart for Sheffield, it will provide 860,000ft² of prime retail space including a new 260,000ft² John Lewis department store, as well as residential accommodation.

Initially, construction was programmed to start in 2008, with the first retail buildings, including the new John Lewis department store and car park, planned for completion in 2011.