High Street skyscraper apartments on former Sheffield Primark site set for approval

To make way for the 206-apartment block named Kings Tower, a vacant retail unit that was used by Primark at 51-57 High Street, in the Castlegate area, would be demolished.

There will also be space for a commercial unit, drinking establishment or hot food takeaway.

In a report on the plans, council officers said: “The proposal will secure a well-designed, visually distinctive residential tower on a sustainably located brownfield site, which will create a local landmark and aid the legibility of this part of the city centre as well as providing substantial regeneration benefits.

“Future residents will be provided with good living conditions and the scheme will not have a discernible adverse impact on the living conditions of existing nearby residents. The scheme is car-free which is acceptable in this location. Appropriate servicing arrangements will be provided.

“The scheme complies with other policy requirements in relation to sustainability, flood risk and drainage, ecology and environmental matters (including microclimate).

“It will deliver a high quality scheme, including substantial investment in the public realm on King Street, to tie the whole scheme into the Grey to Green project and provide an appropriate setting for this very significant development.”

As part of the works, King Street to the rear and surrounding area would be improved with the market retained and vehicle access created from King Street onto Angel Street.

A separate application was submitted to temporarily relocate the market to a nearby site during construction.

Tony Marsden, director at SFGE Properties Ltd who submitted the plans, previously said: “We are confident Kings Tower will reinvigorate the area and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.”

But there were five objections to the plans, including from Sheffield Climate Alliance, the neighbouring retail premises and Changing Sheff City Centre residents’ association who raised various concerns including its tall height, parking, traffic and environmental issues.

The council’s planning and highways committee is due to make a decision on the plans at a meeting on Tuesday, December 8 which starts at 2pm.

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