I want Sheffield to be Chinese capital of Yorkshire
THE Chinese New Year is 'just an ordinary day' for Jerry Cheung, the visionary chairman of Sheffield Chinese Association. After 32 years in Britain, Jerry's celebrations, by his own admission, will be 'muted'.
But the Year of the Rat promises to be anything but ordinary for China and its people.
"This promises to be a fantastic year," said Jerry, who will celebrate with his family.
"Although I don't do much for Chinese New Year, I'm really looking forward to the next year."
For the past three years Jerry, who owns the Simply Chinese restaurant chain, has been working tirelessly to establish a designated Chinatown area in Sheffield.
This could be the year when his grand plan comes together.
A three-and-a-half acre site has been identified and Sheffield Chinese community, local and forgeign investors and Sheffield council continue to work together.
When it's completed Sheffield's Chinatown could include bars, restaurants, a business tower block and possibly a hotel.
What do you think of the idea of a Chinatown for Sheffield? Post your comments below.
"I approached Richard Caborn with the idea three years ago," recalled Jerry.
"We did a feasibilty study and the outcome was positive so we presented it to the local community.
"There was overwhelming support and now it's a case of seeking investment.
"We sent a delegation to China to seek investment and we're going again at the end of this month."
Chinatown would bring enormous benefits for Sheffield, not just for the Chinese community, adds Jerry.
"It would make Sheffield a lot more cosmopolitan and it would attract investment from China. It would make Sheffield the Chinese capital of Yorkshire.
"We always play second fiddle to Leeds and if we get our own Chinatown we'll be one up on them. It will attract a lot of benefits and will bring businesses who are doing business with China together.
"Businesses from China which are looking for a European base could base themselves there.
"It would also help attract Chinese students. It's a big market for the universities and they're fighting for Chinese students.
DINING OUT: Martin Dawes reviews Jerry Cheung's restaurant. Click here.
"That's why our local universities have been behind this plan from the start."
Jerry believes a Sheffield Chinatown would put the city on the national and international map.
"It will improve Sheffield's image and develop tourism.
"Big international cities have a Chinatown and it gives a city credibility.
Chinatown plan for city.
"It's not just about putting up a gate or creating a small world for the Chinese community.
"It's about being inclusive.
"It's a Chinatown for Sheffield people and it's got to be part of the community.
"It's not a new community for one particular ethnic group. I'm not interested in that – I'm interested in community cohesion."
YEAR OF THE RAT: THE FACTS
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Family's Chinese New Year celebration.
THE YEAR OF THE RAT - THE FACTS
Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year.
Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one.
He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality.
2008 is the Year of the Rat. If you were born in 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 you are a rat.
Those born in rat years tend to be leaders, pioneers, and conquerors.
They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking.
Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Affleck, Samuel L. Jackson, William Shakespeare, and Mozart were all born in the Year of the Rat.
There is no fixed date for Chinese New Year, as it is celebrated in accordance with the lunar calendar.
The lunar calendar is based on the time the moon takes to go around the Earth.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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