Proposals to introduce sophisticated hotelier Radisson Blu to a key Sheffield city centre location have been approved by the Local Planning Authority.
The project, designed by HLM Architects working with the Council’s Strategic Development Partner, Queensberry, is the latest to be approved as part of Sheffield’s transformational Heart of the City scheme.
As an international hotel brand with a reputation for excellence, the arrival of Radisson Blu in Sheffield is expected to attract new business opportunities into the city, while raising its profile as an attractive destination.
Accommodating visitors with stylish facilities for both work and relaxation, the hotel will be housed behind the charming facades of Palatine Chambers and City Mews. Replacing Barkers Pool House on Burgess Street will be a second complementary building, containing the majority of the hotel’s 154 bedrooms.
Serving to enhance Sheffield’s social scene, a rooftop bar, restaurant and terrace is also planned for the hotel, which will look out over the Peace Gardens. Upmarket ground-level retail and food and beverage units are another promising feature of the new development, set to enliven this prominent location on Pinstone Street.
A commitment to preserving Sheffield’s Victorian heritage has been integral to the development of the proposals. Designed by HLM Architects out of its Sheffield Studio, the retention of Pinstone Street’s historic facades and the incorporation of complementary materials and colours will ensure the new development reflects the city’s strong historic identity.
The plans for Radisson Blu are the latest set of proposals within the Heart of the City scheme to receive planning approval as the project forges ahead to create a thriving new central hub for Sheffield. Introducing a new mix of leisure, retail, office and residential developments, the scheme is set to breathe new life into the city centre, making it a better place to work and live.
Jamie Wilson, Director at HLM Architects said: “It’s hard to overstate how important this project has been to our Sheffield Studio. The team are acutely aware of the importance of the site and surrounding historical context. We have consulted widely with Planning Officers, Urban Designers, local community and heritage groups and the success of this engagement is reflected in unanimous support from Planning Committee Members. This project will preserve our urban heritage, breathe new life into the city centre and create a publicly accessible landmark with views across the Peace Gardens and towards the Town Hall.”
Andrew Davison, Project Director at Queensberry, Strategic Development Partner, said: “We’re pleased to learn that we have received approval to develop the Radisson Blu hotel in Sheffield city centre. The hotel’s premium brand reputation provides confidence in the market despite the current challenging times. It also demonstrates the strength and viability of the Heart of the City programme, along with the desirability of Sheffield as a viable destination for businesses to develop and thrive.
“The hotel’s high-quality rooms, first-class conferencing facilities, and bars and restaurants, will deliver a new dynamic to the Heart of the City scheme and wider city centre.”
Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Cabinet Member for Business and Investment at Sheffield City Council, said: “We’re delighted that our plans to introduce a new hotel to the heart of Sheffield have received planning approval. I’d like to thank everyone that has taken the time to share their comments on these proposals.
“We believe that the arrival of Radisson Blu – a brand of real quality and prestige – will be key to the ongoing rejuvenation of our city centre.”
Adela Cristea, Senior Director, Head of Business Development UK & Ireland, Radisson Hotel Group said: “We’re very excited to be at the forefront of Sheffield’s regeneration project in a fantastic location at the heart of the city, as well as adding this vibrant new property to our selection of Radisson Blu hotels across the UK.”
