Partner Article

Plans submitted for £300m Meadowhall leisure extension

Property developer British Land has submitted a planning application to Sheffield City Council for a massive new leisure refurbishment at Meadowhall shopping centre.

The proposed £300m extension will encompass 330,000 sq of additional multi-level space, housing new leisure and entertainment options including new restaurants, a cinema, cafe court, gym and additional leisure space.

British Land, which owns Meadowhall with the Government Pension Fund of Norway, is also planning on adding a new outdoor dining terrace and hopes to improve accessibility and parking at the leisure destination with a new multi-storey car park that includes pedestrian walkways and electric car charging points.

The plans have been submitted to Sheffield City Council following a public consultation in June and October which the developer says drew 93% support from respondents and stakeholders.

Charles Maudsley, Head of Retail and Leisure for British Land, said: “Understanding and anticipating our customers’ needs is a key strategic focus area and the Meadowhall Leisure Hall proposals respond to the changing way people live their lives.

“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 proposed extension comes after British Land commenced with a £60m refurbishment due to be completed by the end of 2017, and forms part of the five-year vision to expand the Sheffield shopping centre.

“The Leisure Hall will continue Meadowhall’s evolution, creating a place with a bolder, broader and deeper leisure mix,” added Maudsley. “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.”

A decision on the proposals is expected in Spring 2017 and, if greenlit, could create up to 540 temporary jobs during construction and 1,400 jobs once completed.

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.”

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