Sheffield could be transformed if a shipping container development is given the go ahead.
Over the last few years, shipping container conversions have cropped up everywhere. They have been used as restaurants, cafes and bars; independent stores; for exhibitions and events; and even as alternative, and interesting, homes.
Sheffield is the latest city to jump on to the shipping container bandwagon, with a new development being proposed for an area between the O2 Academy and Odeon Sheffield.
Pond Gate Estate 1 Ltd and Pond Gate Estate 2 Ltd have applied to Sheffield City Council for the development, which would include food and drink units. It would also have a stage for live music, as well as spaces that could be used for events.
The design statement, which was put forward as part of the application, said the development would “breathe new life into an area of the city centre that currently fails to contribute positively to the local economy or street scene”.
It added the mixed-use scheme would “enhance the vibrancy of that area of the city and will have a positive social and economic impact on the city”.
The shipping containers would be spread over two floors and include an open air seating plaza, as well as a concrete podium deck for a stage. There are plans for a screen to be set up at the back of the stage, while others will be spread around the site.
All together, the development, which would be open from 0700 to 0100 Monday to Sunday, would take an area of 26,350 sq ft just off Arundel Gate in the city centre.
It is hoped the local authority will approve the development, which is expected to see one million people visit each year and create 54 full-time and 86 part-time jobs.
