New Era Square

The New Era Square development was conceived at least 9 years ago by UK-Chinese Sheffield businessman Jerry Cheung, who is prominent in the local community as a property developer, restaurant chain owner, Chair of Sheffield Chinese Community Centre and the winner of a 'Special Recognition' Sheffield Business Award in 2016.[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] The project is being funded entirely by inbound Chinese investment into Sheffield, the numerous benefits of which have been reported by the local and business press.[21][9][22][23][24][25][26][20][27]

The architectural design for the project is being undertaken by Sheffield-based architects firm Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson Ltd.[27][28][22][20][7] The initial planning application for a development at Boston Street, including "Demolition of existing buildings and erection of 3 buildings" was received by Sheffield City Council in Autumn 2014, including plans for a 21-storey tower.[24][29][30][7] The application was granted conditionally for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of a mixed-use development of 3 buildings comprising an oriental cash and carry supermarket, retail and commercial space, business accommodation and student apartments.[9][31][32][33][34][35]

Since the initial planning application, planning approval has also been requested for minor changes to the design scheme, including changes to the proposed office space in Phase 2 of the scheme.[36][37] The proposed development, currently under construction (spring 2017), now consists of 5 blocks. The finished square will incorporate green roofs, outdoor lighting, leisure facilities for tenants and a pedestrianised plaza that will be open for public use, with landscaping by local Sheffield company Weddles.[38][39][40]

Work began on the construction of the development in late 2015, launching with a ground-breaking ceremony, for which event investors flew into the UK from China.[41][42][43][44][22][20] The Derbyshire-based company Bowmer & Kirkland (B&K) are the building contractors working on the scheme.[40][44][45]

The student accommodation, which includes studio apartments ranging in size in the first building of the development, is currently being let by the locally based Omnia Space agency and the first building is scheduled to open to student residents in September 2017.[46][47][48][49][50][51]