The Sheffield Chamber of Trade has decided to abandon its fight against Paul Sykes Developments’ 1m-sq ft shopping development at Meadowhall — a battle they had previously been prepared to take as far as the House of Lords.
However, following a High Court ruling that the planning procedure granting Sykes permission had been correctly carried out, plus further legal advice, the traders have decided to back down.
The chamber’s chairman, Bill Franklin, commented: “We believe the Meadowhall development and one at Parkgate in nearby Rotherham will have a disastrous effect on Sheffield city centre.
Meanwhile, Paul Sykes was reacting angrily to suggestions that the Meadowhall scheme was lagging behind its Rotherham rival by Stadium Developments.
“You’ve heard of the tortoise and the hare, haven’t you?” asked Mr Sykes. “Well, watch this space over the next eight weeks.”
He expects to be able to make announcements soon with regard to funding — a UK institution — and anchor tenants, now, according to rumour, almost certain to include Marks & Spencer.
