Meadowhall unveils new design details for £60m refurbishment

Meadowhall, the Sheffield-based shopping destination, has revealed more design details behind its £60m refurbishment programme.

Using materials such as GRG 3D cladding, ash/beech timber cladding and reinforced glass, the refurbishment will be completed by a number of businesses from the Sheffield City Region.

The development will see the use of 3,000m2 of perforated metal cladding from Sheffield-based EE Ingleton Engineering, which is enough to fill two football pitches.

Dearneside (architectural metalworkers located in Parkwood Springs) will also supply 1,500 metres of glass balustrade, and 0.5 acres of timber cladding will be sourced from FSC certified forests.

Furthermore, 750 metres of new circular columns, which put end to end is almost as high as the world’s tallest building the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, will be added.

The multi-million pound revamp is set to be split into four different areas each with a different theme:

• The Arcade – the centre of Meadowhall will see the launch of a new area that will host many shows and displays throughout the year.
• The High Street – focused on families and children, with natural materials to create a light and welcoming atmosphere.
• Park Lane – the high fashion zone, comprising of a new range of retailers.
• The Gallery – featuring decorative lighting and metal panels for an industrial and slightly urban feel, this space will cater for young adults, teenagers and children.

International architect BDP has been appointed to design the refurbishment programme. Dated features such as arches and Juliet balconies will be removed and replaced with natural materials, modern glass and structural balustrades with bronze skirting.

Darren Pearce, Meadowhall centre director, said: “We are excited with the progress of the build so far, we’ve got some fantastic design features and look forward to revealing the new space which will help to accommodate Meadowhall’s evolution.

“With such strong demand from leading brands, the new façade of the malls will reflect Meadowhall’s leading retail position.

“The project has also given us the opportunity to work with local businesses to ensure materials sourced are the best option environmentally, without compromising on design.”

The refurbishment also aims to keep sustainability a focal point throughout the project. With green credentials that include recycling rainwater, reducing carbon emission through less energy use and as the first shopping centre to install electric car charging points, Meadowhall wants to minimise any environmental impact throughout the redevelopment.

To date, 70% of Meadowhall’s construction budget has been secured by Sheffield City Region businesses and trades, with eleven companies having been commissioned for the project.

It is estimated that 63.5% of the overall spend of the refurbishment will be with local businesses.

Additionally, 400 construction roles will be required for the refurbishment, with around 44% of the new recruits residing within the Sheffield area.