News

Temporary Road Closures at Furnival Gate

[September 2017]

In order for BAM to safely erect scaffolding, on the Sheffield Retail Quarter Phase 1 construction site, part of Furnival Gate will be temporarily closed. The partial road closure will be put in place between 6am and 6pm on Sunday 1, 8 and 15 October 2017. 

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Temporary City Centre Road Closures

[September 2017]

There will be some temporary road closures on Saturday 9 September at 7:30am until Monday 11 September at 5:00am. 

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Chance to get inside construction industry and Sheffield’s largest city centre development

[August 2017]

Sheffield school leavers not sure where to go after their exam results should head to the city centre to experience life on a real building site.

BAM, which is building the first phase of Sheffield Retail Quarter for Sheffield City Council is opening up the gates to help teenagers find out what it’s really like to work in the construction industry. They want to dispel common myths about the sector, which offers a huge range of highly-skilled employment opportunities and accounts for approximately 3 million jobs; 10% of total UK employment.

Two sessions are being held on Friday 25 August, from 9.30am to 11.30am  and from 1pm to 3pm.

Nick Howdle, Construction Manager for BAM Construction Ltd said:

The construction industry is booming in Sheffield City Region and so many employers are offering great opportunities for school-leavers. You can come along to this free informal session about how to start your career. Many people don’t realise that there are now a huge range of different roles in construction and it’s not just about getting your hands dirty. Come along for a guided tour and chat to employees and apprentices about how to take your first steps.”

Cllr Mazher Iqbal, Cabinet Member for Business and Investment at Sheffield City Council said:

“Events like this help to inspire the next generation of people who will transform our city. We are committed to helping local people gain the skills they need to gain good jobs and support growing businesses in the region. We offer the most apprenticeships of any major UK city and are delighted that companies like BAM who are working here are supporting our mission.”

The site is located opposite Debenhams at the top of The Moor in Sheffield City Centre. Places must be booked in advance and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Each student attending a session will need to be over the age of 14 and, if under the age of 18, must be accompanied by an adult.

Contact Carol Shaw at BAM Construction to reserve your place at [email protected]

 

What are you going to do after your exam results?

[July 2017]

The construction industry is booming in Sheffield. Come along to a free informal workshop about how to start your career.

On Friday 25 August 2017, secondary school students and their parents are invited to the Sheffield Retail Quarter building site to find out what’s really involved in a career in construction.

Click here to download more information.

Your opportunities with BAM

[June 2017]

During the construction of Sheffield Retail Quarter Phase 1, BAM are offering a range of opportunities for students. These include site visits, workshops and work experience.

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Sheffield Retail Quarter Phase 1 construction: Notification of out of hours work

[May 2017]

There will be some upcoming out of hours work on the Sheffield Retail Quarter Phase 1 construction site.

This out of hours work will enable the team to complete basement slab concrete pours on site. This work will take place in stages across the site.

Click here to download more information.

Groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of construction of new HSBC office

[May 2017]

Construction has begun on HSBC’s new office in the Sheffield Retail Quarter, with the important milestone marked by a ground breaking ceremony attended by James Emmett, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at HSBC Bank plc.

Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council (SCC), and John Mothersole, Chief Executive of SCC, were also in attendance at the ceremony which was also attended by a number of apprentices and rising stars from the bank.

HSBC is making a multi-million pound investment in its new home in the Sheffield Retail Quarter, which will provide employees with a modern office environment right in the heart of the city.

1James Emmett, COO at HSBC Bank plc, said: “Sheffield is a key regional hub for our IT operations and we are delighted to be investing in a new home in the city to create a modern office environment for our people.

“Today’s ground breaking ceremony marks the start of the construction of our new office in the Sheffield Retail Quarter and we look forward to continuing to work closely with Sheffield City Council to deliver this.”

John Mothersole, Chief Executive of SCC, said: “This is a key moment in the delivery of Sheffield’s city centre regeneration and a major milestone in the delivery of the much-anticipated retail quarter. We welcome HSBC’s decision to make this location their new regional home, which demonstrates the continuing confidence from major international employers towards Sheffield.”

HSBC serves 17 million customers in the UK and employs around 43,000 people. In the UK, HSBC offers a complete range of personal, premier and private banking services including bank accounts and mortgages. It also provides commercial banking for small to medium businesses and corporate and institutional banking services. HSBC Bank plc is a wholly owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc.

HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 4,000 offices in 70 countries and territories in Europe, Asia, North and Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa. With assets of US$2,416bn at 31 March 2017, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.

BAM will develop first phase of new Sheffield Retail Quarter

[March 2017]

Sheffield City Council has confirmed BAM’s role in helping to develop the city’s ambitious Sheffield Retail Quarter (SRQ).

A Sheffield City Council spokesperson said:

“Bam has been selected as the main contractor for the first phase of the Sheffield Retail Quarter, which includes a new city centre location for HSBC and associated retail and business units, and are currently appointed under a pre-construction services agreement.

“Work on site has started on the first phase of the SRQ, which includes 160,000 sq ft of office space and around 57,500 sq feet of retail space. HSBC has signed as the anchor tenant on a 15-year lease which commits a vitally important employer to the city centre. Main construction activity is due to start shortly with completion of the building and new public realm is due in the first half of 2019.”

For BAM Construction, Director Kelvin Pollard said:

“This is Sheffield’s most significant construction scheme, and our track record in the city is already second to none, so BAM is thrilled to be working on something that affects the lives of so many people here.

“It’s a demanding and complex scheme, requiring a well-developed suite of skills and expertise, and a modern approach to technology and collaboration. That is our reputation in a nutshell. We’re already on site and are excited by the challenge of making it happen.”

BAM’s track record in Sheffield includes delivering more than £400 million of schemes in the city since 2000. Its clients include BT, HSBC, ASDA, M&S, University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University and the Meadowhall Centre. BAM also had an extensive partnership with the NHS, and this is its third recent scheme with the Council which has recently seen it deliver Don Valley School and Graves Leisure Centre.

Charter Square transformed

[February 2017]

Following public consultation, Sheffield City Council are changing the road layout at Charter Square to improve crossing, access and personal safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Work is anticipated to finish in Summer 2017.

The changes form part of the preparation for the opening of the Moor’s new Light Cinema and the start on site of the first phase of the Sheffield Retail Quarter.

Charter Square used to be one of the last remaining components of a 1960s road scheme known as the Civic Circle which included dual carriageways, underpasses and subways running through the city centre. It also included Castle Square (the ‘Hole in the Road’), Arundel Gate, Furnival Square Underpass, Eyre Street and Charter Row. All of these have been transformed over the last 25 years into pedestrian-friendly streets, squares and boulevards.

The current works will create a more attractive public space which is similar in quality to Tudor Square or Barker’s Pool. This will replace under-used subways by creating more direct, inviting pedestrian routes.

Overnight Road Closures at Charter Square and Furnival Gate, Grosvenor House Hotel Demolition

[January 2017]

There will be some overnight road closures around Charter Square and Furnival Gate, starting from 30 January for a period of three weeks.

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Grosvenor demolition brings back memories for council leader

[January 2017]

The leader of Sheffield City Council, Councillor Julie Dore was on the site of the former Grosvenor House Hotel, where she held her wedding reception 30 years ago, on Tuesday 17 January at 2pm as demolition works continue to make way for the new Sheffield Retail Quarter.

The council leader also held her 40th birthday there, where she saw the Bootleg Beatles.

Contractors from DSM Demolition Limited are demolishing the remainder of the 10-storey hotel block with a 180-tonne high reach (70metre) machine with a concrete pulveriser attachment.

The 1960s-built former five-star hotel, and associated buildings, are being
demolished to make way for the first phase of Sheffield’s new retail quarter, with building work set to commence in Spring this year.

DSM Demolition Limited has been carrying out a full demolition on the site, a process that has included asbestos removal and soft stripping of the remaining internal aspects of the building shop fronts and debris.

The Pinstone Street and Furnival Gate elevations were deconstructed by hand with the remainder of the building demolished mechanically.

Banking giant HSBC has been confirmed as the first anchor tenant in a premium office block set for completion in 2019, subject to planning permission.

Councillor Julie Dore, leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Standing on the site of what will become the Sheffield Retail Quarter is really something to behold. The demolition teams have worked tirelessly over Christmas to keep the project on schedule and make this dramatic change to the city’s skyline.

“The Grosvenor once was the place to be, in fact, my wedding reception was held there 30 years ago, and it holds a lot of memories for people across the city. However, our environment and the city is rapidly changing and therefore I hope people also can look forward to the transformation of this key part of the city to make way for a development that Sheffield people want and need, which can transform the city’s retail and commercial offer for generations to come.”

Overnight Road Closures, Charter Square, Grosvenor House Hotel Demolition

[January 2017]

There will be some overnight road closures around Charter Square on 21-23 January.

Click here to download more information.

Backfields Closure, Grosvenor House Hotel Demolition

[December 2016]

Backfields and some surrounding footpaths will be closed to ensure safety during the Grosvenor House Hotel demolition.

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 A last glimpse at Grosvenor as Sheffield Retail Quarter beckons

[November 2016]

The Grosvenor Hotel, which housed the stars in the 1960s when they visited Sheffield, has opened its doors for the last time.

The 1960s-built former five-star hotel is being demolished to make way for the first phase of Sheffield’s new retail quarter, with building work set to commence in Spring next year.

DSM Demolition Limited is carrying out a full demolition on the site, a process that will include asbestos removal and soft stripping of the remaining internal aspects of the building shop fronts and debris. They paused the build so a small number of invited journalists could visit the site.

The Pinstone Street and Furnival Gate elevations are being deconstructed by hand with the remainder of the building demolished mechanically. Heavy machinery in the region of 60 tonnes with a concrete pulveriser attachment that weighs roughly seven tonnes will demolish the lower podium which includes a former car park, storage area and the former Casbah, Music Junkie and Golden harvest stores.

The 10-storey hotel block will be demolished with the use of a 220-tonne high reach (70metre) machine with a concrete pulveriser attachment.

Road Closures, Grosvenor House Hotel Demolition

[October 2016]

There will be several temporary road closures to enable the demolition of the Grosvenor House Hotel. 

Click here to download more information.

HSBC makes multi-million pound investment in new Sheffield Retail Quarter Office

[September 2016]

 

  • Long-awaited retail quarter to open for business with 60,000 square foot of retail units available in first phase
  • HSBC has signed a 15-year lease on new office building and will become first anchor tenant by Spring 2019
  • Full planning application for first phase submitted

 

This is the new-look for the first phase of Sheffield’s long-awaited retail quarter – an artist’s impression of HSBC’s new office after the banking giant was confirmed as the first anchor tenant of the £480m scheme.
HSBC_SRQ_OfficeFINAL
The announcement comes just days after the city’s planning committee endorsed Sheffield City Council’s plans for Sheffield Retail Quarter.

HSBC has taken out a 15-year lease on the building, which will incorporate 140,000 square feet of office space and a rooftop terrace. Construction is set to get under way in Q1 next year, with completion due in Spring 2019.

New shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, along with landscaped public spaces, will help Sheffield Retail Quarter to become one of Sheffield’s most sought-after places to work and encourage thousands of people into the heart of the district.

The premium office block will be located between Wellington Street, Cambridge Street, Charter Row and Furnival Gate and has been carefully designed to complement the existing cluster of new offices in the city centre, whilst working with the existing street layout and different levels. Demolition of the derelict Grosvenor House Hotel has already started.

John Hackett, COO of HSBC UK said: “Sheffield is a major centre of excellence for our IT operations and we’re delighted to be confirmed as the first anchor tenant for the historic Sheffield Retail Quarter. The multi-million pound investment we’re making in our new home in Sheffield will allow us to provide our colleagues with a modern office environment right in the heart of the city.”

Councillor Leigh Bramall, deputy leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield Retail Quarter is now becoming a reality and we are delighted that we can begin to deliver our vision for a compelling mix of retail, leisure and business which meets the needs of our city now and in the future.

“Having a major international company like HSBC on board gives the core of our city centre, and the burgeoning business and financial services cluster located there, a great boost. HSBC is one of the largest businesses in Sheffield and its new location in the retail quarter will enable it to invest in a modern office space for employees with high quality shops, cafes and public spaces on their doorstep. Sheffield is a great place to both live and work and more and more businesses are recognising that it’s the right place to attract excellent staff.”

Sheffield Retail Quarter showcases plans for premium office development

[July 2016]

Sheffield City Council has today revealed the proposed plans for a landmark development at the heart of Sheffield Retail Quarter.

Members of the public are invited to have their say on the proposals before 9 August. Their views will be used to inform a detailed application to the Local Planning Authority later in the year.

The plans have been driven by HSBC’s announcement that the £480m city-centre regeneration scheme is its preferred location for its new city headquarters.

Subject to the planning outcome and ongoing discussions with the bank, construction is due to start in early 2017. The plans can be viewed at a public drop-in session on 25 July at The Art House, Backfields, and are also available on the Sheffield Retail Quarter website.

The premium office block will be located between Wellington Street, Cambridge Street, Charter Row and Furnival Gate.

A 15,000sqm office building will encourage thousands of people into the heart of the district. New shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, along with landscaped public spaces, will help it to become one of Sheffield’s most sought-after places to work.

The six-storey building has been carefully designed to complement the existing cluster of new offices in the city centre, whilst working with the existing street layout and different levels.

Preparations have already started for the demolition of the derelict Grosvenor House Hotel, which has already been subject to a successful planning application. The Council has purchased the land, and is working with the small number of affected businesses to seek vacant possession. The building will start to be demolished in August.

Cllr Leigh Bramall, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Business and Economy said, “Having a blue-chip, international company recognise our vision for Sheffield Retail Quarter has been a real catalyst for the scheme. We have consistently said that Sheffield city centre needs much more than just new shops.

“We need top quality office space to bring in the businesses and workers to spend money in those shops. We need cafes for meetings, restaurants and bars for people to socialise in after work. We need attractive public spaces like the Peace Gardens where people can sit to have their lunch. We need homes for city-centre workers. These are all the things that Sheffield Retail Quarter will offer.”

Sheffield Retail Quarter brings Queensberry Real Estate on board

[June 2016]

Sheffield City Council has selected a regeneration specialist to help it transform the fortunes of the city centre. It has chosen Queensberry Real Estate as the preferred bidder as Strategic Development Partner for Sheffield Retail Quarter: the £480m scheme that will bring world-class shopping, leisure, residential and office opportunities into the heart of the city.

As one of the UK’s leading urban regeneration specialists, Queensberry Real Estate (QRE), prides itself on experience of complex city centre regeneration projects. Over the last 20 years the team has been involved in the development of over 8million square feet of new retail, leisure, residential and office space. QRE will help drive the scheme forward, refine plans and negotiate with retailers.

Councillor Leigh Bramall, deputy leader of Sheffield City Council and Cabinet Member for Business and Economy, said: “We are delighted to announce Queensberry Real Estate as preferred bidder to become our Strategic Development Partner for Sheffield Retail Quarter. This is a key milestone and a significant step forward in the delivery of the scheme, which will provide a transformational development in the heart of our city centre.”

“Queensberry not only demonstrate this shared ambition, but they have a clear aspiration to further raise the bar for the scheme. They bring an impressive track record of delivering thoughtful and successful schemes that respond to the rapidly changing retail environment. Through the award-winning schemes they have delivered in Belfast, Manchester and Bath among others, they have developed strong working relationships with many of the retailers and leisure operators we are looking to bring to Sheffield. We look forward to working with Queensberry as we refine the plans for the Sheffield Retail Quarter.”

Paul Sargent, CEO of Queensberry said: “My team has been focused for the last 18 months on winning this major instruction. It is a dream come true. A scheme that meets the scale of our ambition and challenges our creative experiences to date.

“We will work seamlessly with Sheffield City Council to deliver the long awaited regeneration of the city centre. Our joint plans will be cutting-edge and inspirational placing the city at the forefront of the next revolution in urban place making.”

Demolition of the Grosvenor block signals the transformation of Sheffield’s city centre

[March 2016]

Sheffield City Council has announced that full demolition of the Grosvenor House Hotel block is to start within three months in preparation for a start to construction of a new retail, commercial, leisure and residential scheme, known as the Sheffield Retail Quarter (SRQ).

Tenants in the building have been issued with notification to leave the building within three months to enable works to begin in earnest. Asbestos stripping of the building is now nearing completion after several weeks of work on site.

The move comes as Sheffield City Council confirms it is close to finalising discussions with a major blue chip company to occupy the first phase of the SRQ, likely to be offices and retail, on the site of the Grosvenor Block. An official announcement is expected next week.

The Council has also been working closely with key retailers such as John Lewis, who welcomes the Council’s ambitious plans for the city centre and is committed to on-going discussions with the Council about their place in the scheme.

Commenting on the progress, Simon Green, Executive Director at Sheffield City Council said: “We are making real progress and remain on course to deliver the first phases of the SRQ by 2019. People will see a visible start to preparatory demolition works of the Grosvenor Block within three months after all the asbestos has been removed. We are in active conversations with John Lewis and expect to announce the first phase of the SRQ very shortly involving retail and a major blue chip company.

Bringing jobs and the spending power they deliver right to the very heart of the city helps to make the retail element far more attractive to retailers and will help stimulate further office development in the area as well as our restaurant, bar and hotel offer. This is a hugely complex scheme but we are working hard to deliver this project which is so important for the future of the city.”

SRQ is part of the council’s wider economic plans to provide the right environment for a dynamic private sector with a skilled workforce. The creation of the city’s Digital Campus at Electric Works, the continued growth of the Advanced Manufacturing Park and the recent extension to the Business District at the heart of the city in St Paul’s Place are all key to this.

Over the coming months work will be undertaken to refine the design for the proposed scheme which will be shared with stakeholders and the general public as part of further consultation.

A planning application for our outline plans was submitted in August 2015

 

Sheffield City Council is currently embarking on a procurement process to work with a Strategic Development Partner to secure delivery. In June 2016, Queensberry Real Estate, one of the UK’s leading urban regeneration specialists, was announced as preferred bidder.

Before the outline planning permission was submitted, a pre-application consultation was undertaken. Members of the local community and key stakeholders made comments on the proposals and all feedback is being considered by the project team