Project managers appointed to lead long-awaited Sheffield Retail Quarter

The £480m retail quarter is at the heart of Sheffield Council’s plans to regenerate the city centre, but has been blighted by delays and setbacks.

The council has appointed global programme management and construction consultancy Turner & Townsend, which is based in Leeds, to provide project, cost and procurement management support for the Retail Quarter, which will create 2,500 jobs. It is hoped the scheme will propel the city into the ranks of the UK’s top 10 shopping destinations. The modern design will influenced by the local architectural style.

The UK managing director at Turner & Townsend, Jon White, said: “The new retail quarter is another important step in Sheffield’s vision of becoming an economic hub in northern England, and we look forward to helping the city achieve its aspirations successfully.”

In 2013, the local authority severed ties with developer Hammerson following a series of delays in beginning work on the planned transformation of the area of Barker’s Pool, Pinstone Street and Charter Square. The council hopes to appoint new developers by the autumn, with work starting in 2017 and the initial phase open by the end of 2019.

Sheffield Council’s director of capital and major projects Nalin Seneviratne said: “These new plans provide a navigable, varied and attractive new shopping district for Sheffield city centre.

“The design merges with Sheffield’s award winning public realm and world renowned cultural assets – including The Crucible and The Lyceum theatres – and unites key retail pitches in the city centre from The Moor through to Fargate.

“This will consolidate an enhanced retail offer and also provide for food and beverage, office and residential to extend the attraction as an evening entertainment destination.”