Vision to create 6,000 jobs moves forward after plans submitted for Sheffield’s West Bar scheme

Plans for Urbo’s West Bar development in Sheffield city centre, which is being funded by Legal & General, include a new 100,000 sq ft office building, and 368 Build to Rent residential apartments.

Urbo (West Bar), a joint venture between Urbo Regeneration and Peveril Securities, the development arm of the Bowmer and Kirkland Group, has submitted the application for No.1 West Bar Square, which comprises eight storeys of offices with ground floor retail and leisure provision. Designs have been brought forward by leading architects 5plus.

The plans for No.1 West Bar Square are expected to become a gateway to the wider West Bar regeneration project. A contemporary curved exterior design to the building will create an entrance to adjacent public realm and the development beyond. West Bar Square, will be the landscaped focal point of the project.

Meanwhile, plans are now being drawn up for a second Legal & General-funded 100,000 sq ft office building, alongside a further application for a 450-space multi storey car park to serve West Bar.

Peter Swallow, managing director at Urbo, said, “We are pleased to be able to submit this application to kickstart our delivery plans for the first phase at West Bar which ultimately aims to deliver up to 1 million sq ft of vibrant new mixed-use space.

“No.1 West Bar Square will offer large footprint, modern office accommodation, currently lacking in Sheffield city centre, with capacity at West Bar to accommodate more than 6,000 new jobs. The West Bar neighbourhood already boasts key office occupiers including the Home Office, top 50 law firm Irwin Mitchell and the Crown and Family Courts.”

Ralph Jones, managing director at Peveril Securities, added: “Delivering West Bar, along with the commitment by Legal & General to invest £150m for the first phase, is testament to the strength of Sheffield as a considerable powerhouse in the North and an attractive place to live and work.”

Subject to reserved matters planning consent, Urbo expects to start on site later this year.

Nigel Wilson, chief executive of Legal & General, said: “There has never been a more important time to invest in our regional cities.”