Re-establishing the city centre as a regional shopping destination by designing an innovative, distinctive scheme.
The aim of the New Retail Quarter (NRQ), is to re-establish the city centre as a regional shopping destination with an innovative, distinctive scheme. Leading European property company, Hammerson plc, is the development partner for the project which will create a new piece of the city. Masterplanned by BDP Architects, it will be based on high quality buildings, pedestrian-dominated streets and striking public squares.
Outputs
- 82,000 sq m of quality retail space
- 200 residential units
- 3,750 full time equivalent jobs
- 500 jobs safeguarded
- 7,500 sq m of public realm improved
- 2,000 car parking spaces.
The NRQ will be retail-led, anchored by a new John Lewis store. The scheme will total 85,000 sq m of retail space, apartments, leisure facilities and car parking. It will broaden the existing retail core, linking the important shopping areas of Fargate and The Moor. The target market is twofold: existing retailers who require larger, better units and those quality retailers who are not already represented in the city.
Progress to Date
Momentum on this project built steadily during 2006. The outline planning application was approved, the development agreement between the city council and Hammerson plc was signed, and the compulsory purchase order process commenced in early 2007. The programme of service diversions enabling works, funded by English Partnerships, got underway and will be finished in summer 2007, whilst construction of the new fire station is anticipated to begin in late spring 2007.
Hammerson has appointed the award-winning, internationally acclaimed firm of architects, O'Donnell + Tuomey, to design the prestigious new John Lewis department store. This is the first in a series of appointments for individual architects who will design different buildings within the scheme, reaffirming Hammerson's commitment to
delivering a high quality and diverse urban environment.
Construction of the NRQ, to be located to the west of Pinstone Street, between Barker's Pool and Moorhead, is due to begin in 2008. The first phase, including the John Lewis store, is planned for completion in 2011.