Sheffield's New Retail Quarter - No Quarter should be given in design

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 8th Dec 2005

Comment from Cllr David Baker, Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet member for Economic Regeneration and Planning, on the proposed new Retail Quarter: -

Following the public display of the proposals for the new Retail Quarter there is an increased public awareness that part of our City Centre is about to be transformed. As the Liberal Democrats Shadow Cabinet member for Economic Development, I take on ongoing interest in this major scheme. As a group on the Council, Liberal Democrats support the development in principle as it will clearly bring much needed retail space to the City centre and at the same time raise the standard of the retail offer to compete with other major Towns and Cities in the region.

We believe that the development should not only introduce new architecture but also retain as much of the 19th Century and early 20th Century buildings as possible. Retaining significant buildings, or at least the frontages, will actually enhance the development, retaining the quality of life and sense of place provided by such fine architecture. Leeds and Manchester have successfully developed their retail quarters whilst retaining many of their historic buildings. This has significantly enhanced the shopping experience and contributed to their overall economic and social success.

Unfortunately the current application from the developers is based on the demolition of a number of historic buildings, including the Bethel Chapel Sunday School and the HSBC building on Charles Street. I don't believe that the developers have done enough to prove that these buildings cannot be retained in some capacity. I, and many other concerned Sheffielders, will remain unconvinced until developers amend their plans or they prove beyond doubt that retaining these buildings isn't viable.

We also need to ask what is proposed for Lears Yard. This is the site of classic 'little mester' workshops and important to Sheffield's cultural heritage. Although planned to be retained, sympathetic development is essential to the overall retail quarter package. I believe that buildings like these should be used and seen as assets to the retail quarter.

Now is also the time to raise the question of sustainability of design, although it is still early in the process. There should be a sustainability group set up to work with the developer to help shape their proposals.

This is an ideal opportunity to enhance the city's green reputation and contribute towards the battle against climate change; we need to consider how the design incorporates the reduction of carbon emissions by looking at things like solar power, micro wind generation, combined heat and power and maximum energy efficiency.

These are vitally important issues and a future generation of Sheffielders will not forgive us if we fail to retain buildings that represent Sheffield's cultural heritage and require a significant contribution towards reducing carbon emissions.

The Liberal Democrat group will continue to give our full support to this exciting development but will expect the developer to recognise and address these issues. If they do then I have every confidence this scheme can help to deliver a more successful and prosperous city centre serving the people of Sheffield and the wider region.