THE sweeping curved roof and futuristic see-through walls may not look familiar - but they soon will.
This is the first glimpse of how the new centre of Sheffield could look in a few years' time.
Hammerson Plc, the developer of the £600 million New Retail Quarter, was today unveiling architectural plans for the huge new shopping, office and residential development in the city centre.
Today was the first chance for the public to give their views, speak to the development team and provide feedback on the architecture for the development, officially called Sevenstone.
What do you think about the new design? Add your comment below.The block on the left is conceived by its designers as covered in 'draped fabric' while the one on the right is supposed to be clad at the bottom in stone - rising out of the rock of Sheffield.
A glazed roof will shelter shoppers as they walk from Pinstone Street to an expanded John Lewis store.
The exhibition is on until Saturday, 10am-6pm at the former Damart shop on 106 Pinstone Street.
Nine architectural practices were chosen after a design competition.
Carolyn Kenney, project director at Hammerson, said: "Sevenstone is an important part of the continuing regeneration of the city and we are keen to ensure the people of Sheffield see the designs and have the opportunity to provide feedback.
"We have a talented architectural team working on the scheme to ensure that Sevenstone includes the best in retail led design."
The development will link shopping areas of the Moor, Fargate and Devonshire Quarter. The first buildings, including the John Lewis department store and car park are scheduled to be completed in 2011.
- See The Star tomorrow for more photos and reactions.
READ MORENew landmark office site on Sheffield's horizonMain news indexThe full article contains 309 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
