Outline planning consent has been granted for the £175 million mixed-use West Bar Square development in Sheffield’s Riverside business district – the ambitious regeneration scheme that could create up to 5,000 jobs.
Permission has been granted by Sheffield City Council for delivery of a “flexible masterplan” comprising up to 1.4 million sq.ft. of prominent city centre space with frontage to Sheffield’s inner relief road.
Local developers Urbo Regeneration will now continue negotiations with potential occupiers and investors for proposed offices, private rented sector (PRS) apartment blocks, a four-star hotel, restaurants and retail units.
The Riverside business district is already home to 3,500 jobs with employers such as the Home Office, Courts and solicitors Irwin Mitchell.
Peveril Securities, the development arm of Bowmer & Kirkland Group, was chosen last year as the delivery partner for West Bar Square.
The joint venture saw the creation of the new company, Urbo (West Bar) Ltd, formalising the partnership to deliver the project.
West Bar Square has been designed by 5plus architects and master planners Urbed, and was developed working with Sheffield City Council. How Planning Consultants advised the planning application process.
Peter Swallow, managing director of Urbo Regeneration said: “Working in partnership with our delivery partner, Peveril Securities, I am confident we will be able to secure occupiers and investors and move forward with detailed planning applications for individual buildings in 2017.”
Leigh Bramall, deputy leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “This comprehensive proposed development continues the excellent regeneration in the Riverside area of the city.
“West Bar Square is a long-standing large office project, started by the council, that will grow the economy of the city centre.
“New housing opportunities and a high-quality public realm will connect the core of the city centre to Kelham Island and complement the award-winning Grey to Green landscaping project.”
BNP Paribas and Knight Frank have been appointed joint agents for West Bar Square.