400 jobs created as Meadowhall's £60m expansion continues

Around 400 construction jobs and numerous apprentices will be required for the upgrade, which is due to be completed in late 2017.

Directors at the shopping centre say the refurbishment is an ‘important catalyst’ for job creation in the region – and will offer an ‘unrivalled’ shopping experience when finished.

Darren Pearce, Meadowhall centre director, said: “As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, the refurbishment is an important catalyst to support additional employment opportunities within the local community and beyond.

“We are keen to ensure that, whilst the new refurbishment offers an unrivalled shopping experience for our customers once finished, the build also impacts positively on the local 
economy.

“We are looking forward to continuing to welcome new members to our team and support the roles the redevelopment creates.”

Workers have been employed for key skills including project management, administration, demolition, mechanical and electrical engineering, steel fixing, glazing, lifting, security, cleaning, tiling, architectural metalwork, architectural finishes, cladding, vertical transportation and 
decoration.

Meadowhall has also placed seven apprentices on the project to date, having supported more than 660 apprentice roles over the past five years.

The refurbishment, which is the biggest investment in Meadowhall since it opened more than 25 years ago, has generated more than 285 new roles in the last three months alone.

The job boost comes on top of expansion plans at the shopping centre.

Meadowhall owner British Land announced towards the end of last year that it is drawing up plans for a second cinema, bars and restaurants in a massive new extension.

A company report states the company wants to build a 330,000sq ft ‘leisure scheme’ in the medium-term.

A British Land spokesman said they had already been in ‘very positive’ discussions with Sheffield City Council at the time of the announcement.

This week a spokesman said there was nothing further to add, but that the extension was still planned and that updates will be coming soon.