Deadline set on city centre retail scheme

Sheffield’s Sevenstone scheme was postponed by London-based Hammerson back in 2009 because of the adverse economic climate, leaving buildings in a large part of the city centre derelict.

Earlier this year council bosses said they had negotiated a way to put £30m in to kickstart the project through the Government’s city deal, but Hammerson did not make any commitment

Yesterday it also emerged that John Lewis, the retailer which had been set up to “anchor” the new development, may now be keen to build a new store, despite pulling out of a similar scheme in 2009.

It is understood that the department store giant has agreed to hold talks with the council and Hammerson in February over the possibility of reviving a scheme which would see a new store open as part of the scheme.

Sheffield Council leader Coun Julie Dore yesterday confirmed a deadline has been set for Hammerson to commit.

She said: “There is an agreement which has been reached by all parties to commit to the development by a date in the coming year, ensuring we receive full benefit from the Government finance scheme.”

Development spokesman Coun Leigh Bramall added: “Sheffield Council is working to kick-start the regeneration of the city centre through the Sevenstone development.”

Peter Cole, from Hammerson, said: “While all parties remain committed to finding a solution for Sheffield, the current economic environment has clearly impacted retailers’ ability to commit to new schemes, so it should not be a surprise there are no easy answers.”