Sheffield next in line for Stack
A plot between the O2 Academy and Odeon cinema on Arundel Gate is being targeted by the hospitality group, which specialises in container-based leisure destinations.
Plans have now been lodged with Sheffield City Council by development vehicle Pond Gate Estate 1 and 2, with Pegasus advising on planning and KPP joining regular Stack architect Dunwoodie Swift on the design side.
Stack, which rose to prominence running a popular food & drink venue based on shipping containers as a “meanwhile use” in Newcastle’s Pilgrim Quarter, has since spread its wings, opening in Sunderland’s Seaburn and advancing a range of destinations elsewhere.
These include the takeover of Manchester’s Hatch operation, founded by Bruntwood, a joint project with Newcastle United for a fanzone close to St James’ Park, and a destination in a former ballroom at Whitley Bay.
Planning consent has now been secured for the two North East projects.
That latter scheme, along with a plan to open a venue in the former M&S store in Durham, are both non-container projects.
In Sheffield however, Stack will be pursuing its core offer, putting forward plans for a 26,340 sq ft destination just off one of the city’s main roads and close to the railway station.
The development site is described as a currently underutilised – aside from queuing and breakout space associated with the currently-closed Academy – informal public space to the roof of Arundel Gate car park, located between the O2 Academy and Odeon Cinema, laid out as areas of hardstanding with raised planters. It sits on the fringe of Sheffield’s theatre district close to the main Sheffield Hallam University campus.
Stack’s Newcastle United fanzone has now been approved. Credit: Newcastle United/Digitalcrush
As part of the plans, the applicant said that public realm will be improved in what is a busy pedestrian area, with people travelling between the car park, railway and bus stations to the university, theatres and retail core.
Although most of the F&B offer will be within the containers, there will be some external offer, with the possibility of temporary event space to be used at certain times.
KPP and Dunwoodie Swift’s ’s design & access statement said: “The proposals will breathe new life into an area of the City Centre that currently fails to contribute positively to the local economy or street scene.
“The proposal creates an opportunity enhance the public realm locally, tie into wider proposals on Arundel Gate and to extend the cultural and leisure hub around the Crucible and Lyceum theatres to further enhance the vibrancy of that area of the city and will have a positive social and economic impact on the city.
“The proposal is in a highly sustainable location within the City, readily accessible by pedestrians, rail users, cyclists and public transport. The architectural language of the site and the retained buildings will be respected with new materials and detailing chosen to compliment the iconic structures.”
Stack’s professional team also includes AEC and landscape advisor PWP.
