Timeline of the failed China deal

Timeline of the failed China deal
Council Leader Julie Dore signing the exclusive agreement with Mr WangCouncil Leader Julie Dore signing the exclusive agreement with Mr Wang
Council Leader Julie Dore signing the exclusive agreement with Mr Wang

July 2016: the council signs a 60-year partnership with Sichuan Guodong Construction which is worth £1 billion and gives owner Wang Chunming exclusivity over redeveloping the Central Library.

The Sichuan Guodong Group is given 12 months to explore plans to redevelop the Grade II-listed library into the city’s first five star hotel.

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April 2017: the council still hadn’t signed a library deal but says it expects an agreement to be finalised “imminently”. 

December 2017: the plans have fizzled out after the Sichuan Guodong Group’s enthusiasm is dampened at the unviability and the significant costs associated with the site

A Freedom of Information request reveals the council had spent more than £30,000 on overseas trips to China connected to the deal.

Spring 2018: Coun Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for business and investment, says the council is still in talks with the Sichuan Guodong Group.

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September 2018: Council Leader Julie Dore says she has not had any direct contact with Wang Chunming since the start of the year.

March 2019: A Freedom of Information request finds Sheffield Council had spent more than £150,000 pursuing a deal with Chinese investors – including buying bags, rulers and bookmarks as gifts.

July 2019: The deal is dead. Coun Mazher Iqbal says it’s all over.

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