FIRST LOOK: New image of Meadowhall extension as planning application goes in

British Land, joint owner of the site, has submitted a planning application for the leisure hall, which will include a new cinema, restaurants, a gym and an open-air terrace.

The eye-catching design has been refined after a series of public consultation events.

Meadowhall centre director Darren Pearce said: “This is a major milestone for Meadowhall, and follows months of detailed consultation to ensure the proposals reflect what people want, from customers and community groups to retailers and restaurants.

"Throughout the process we have listened and evolved the plans, sharing the final iteration last month at Meadowhall and in the city centre.

“The response to the plans has been fantastic. People are encouraged by the level of investment being made, the quality of the design and architecture, the significant levels of new employment and training opportunities generated, and that the plans are adding something new to the Sheffield City Region.”

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Shoppers' loyalties divided by big plans for Sheffield city centre and MeadowhallThe extension follows a £60 million refurbishment of the shopping centre, which is due to finish this year.

The 330,000 sq ft leisure hall will be covered by a glazed roof, which will add dining and entertainment options not currently available at Meadowhall. The plans also include an open-air terrace that will allow visitors to dine outside.

The leisure hall will be integrated with the front of the existing centre to create a new multi-levelled, landscaped open space.

A new multi-storey car park will ensure no parking spaces are lost, and new electronic signs will show space availability. There will be electric car charging points, pedestrian walkways, cycle parking and a cycle lane.

Solar panels on the roof will provide at least 10 per cent of the leisure hall's energy.

Sheffield Council is expected to make a decision in spring 2017. The leisure hall will create 540 temporary jobs during its construction and up to 1,400 jobs once complete.

Head of retail and leisure at British Land Charles Maudsley 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 leisure hall will continue Meadowhall’s evolution, creating a place with a bolder, broader and deeper leisure mix. 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.”

Sheffield Chamber's executive director Richard Wright said: “As consumers, retailers and Sheffield evolves, so too must Meadowhall. The leisure hall, however, goes much further.

"It will retain spend in the Sheffield City Region by ensuring residents do not need to travel out of the area to fulfil their shopping and leisure needs.

“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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