The transformation of Sheffield has moved a significant step forward after outline planning consent has been granted for Sheffield’s £175 million West Bar Square development.
Sheffield has been through a period of massive transformation over the recent years. The granting of outline planning consent by the City Council for West Bar Square, means the local developers, Urbo Regeneration, can now continue to progress negotiations with potential occupiers and investors for the area.
West Bar Square is a scheme of flexible masterplan comprising up to 1.4m sq.ft of prominent city centre space with frontage to Sheffield’s inner relief road. The space will home for the proposed offices, high quality PRS apartment blocks, a four-star hotel, restaurants, and retail units. Consent has been granted for associated landscaped public spaces within the development.
Labour Councillor Alan Law, Joint Chair Licensing Committee and member for Planning and Highways Committee said: “The development that we passed on Tuesday is excellent news for Sheffield. The area has for some years been something of an eye sore in this area of Sheffield, which is slowly but steadily moving in the right direction.
“The highways in front refurbishment, has in the last couple of years, improved with some very imaginative designs. This will bring the whole area up to a part of Sheffield to visit for its hotel, retail units and proximity to Kelham Island. This will help with more visitors and investment into this great city.”
Pete Binkiewicz, 38, a personal manager said Sheffield needs to consider the real needs of the city.
“Sheffield is undergoing a lot of work at the moment. I think Sheffield is behind those major cities in the UK, so I think the city needs tidying up. I am not so sure it needs as much houses, hotels and much things like that, but I think it is important that Sheffield catches up all the major cities in this country.”
Kate Rawlings, 33, a PR works in the area also questioned the way the space being used.
“I do question how much we need more apartments and hotels in Sheffield but obviously there seems to be a demand for it. However, it’s good for Sheffield that the development is going on.
The site assembly and clearance process is already underway with a view to enabling the earliest possible start on site, subject to planning approval for individual building designs once investors are secured.
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