Readers have had their say on what could improve Meadowhall - and a beloved department store is at the top of the list.

Sheffield’s famous mega-mall Meadowhall has remained a popular spot in the city for decades at the point.

It is one of the most visited areas in South Yorkshire, fitted with a bustling train and bus station that brings in people from all over the county.

But it has changed a lot in the 35 years since it opened, having to adapt as online shopping becomes increasingly popular while bringing in newer, sought after brands.

So we asked readers what they would like to see added in future to improve the ever-growing shopping centre.

Star readers reveal what they think would improve Meadowhall. | 3rd party

placeholder image — Star readers reveal what they think would improve Meadowhall. | 3rd party

“A nice big John Lewis,” Suzy Hill responded.

This was a common sentiment among readers, who repeatedly pointed out the department store in their list of improvements.

John Lewis did once have a store in Sheffield, taking over the famous Cole Brothers in Barker’s Pool, however that closed in 2021.

Around the same time Debenhams - which had stores in both the city centre and Meadowhall - made the decision to move away from physical stores, leaving Sheffield without any major department stores.

The former Debenhams shop in Meadowhall was converted into a Sports Direct and Frasers hybrid, while the site on The Moor remains empty.

Countless people commented on The Star’s Facebook post calling for John Lewis to open a new Meadowhall shop to fill this gap.

Jayne Craig Phillips wrote: “A John Lewis store would be very welcome.”

“John Lewis would be so fabulous at Meadowhall. Really miss Cole Brothers,” Franklin Mary echoed.

John Lewis announced in March 2021 that it would not be reopening its Sheffield city centre department store, at Barker's Pool, following the latest lockdown.

Others suggested smaller improvements, looking to fill in niches that Meadowhall hasn’t yet catered to.

Claire Hopwood-Putt suggested: “Some where to drop kids off while you shop.”

Meanwhile, Pola Awat wrote: “A big, quiet coffee shop area would be great somewhere comfortable where people can sit and do some online work without too much noise.”

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Some people drew attention to the general atmosphere and decorations, calling for a return to the ‘colour’ the centre had decades ago.

“The character that it had when it first opened, including the palm trees and Oasis as it was,” Dave Dickinson added.

The Oasis dining area at Meadowhall in 1999, showing the Rock Island Diner (right) and Spiros(left) | Sheffield Newspapers Ltd

One final suggestion was to involve the community more.

While Meadowhall does help support local charities and host events, for years there have been discussions about how this giant shopping centre has effected Sheffield city centre, and even places like Rotherham.

Donna Danielle Stars wrote: “I’d love to see more independent businesses but the costs are to high for them to consider it as a sustainable.

“Sheffield and surrounding areas had an abundance of amazing talented indie businesses and it would be great for them to work with Meadowhall and grow.”