Kier Construction has been selected to build a new £17.5m indoor market hall and retail development for Sheffield City Council and Scottish Widows Investment Property Partnership Trust (SWIPPT).

The 79,000sq ft market building will occupy a full block on the Moor, one of Sheffield’s best-known shopping streets and will comprise up to 200 indoor stalls, replacing the existing, outdated Castle Markets which are now seen as poorly located for customers.

Designed by retail specialists Leslie Jones Architects, the new development includes the Moor Market - a single-storey, double-height market hall with two-storey associated trader storage, back-of-house trader facilities and a management suite; a two-storey, eight-unit block of shops, and a shared, open-air service yard with loading bays and incoming utility plant rooms for both the Moor Market and shops.


The new market will benefit from a purpose-built multi-storey car park and excellent bus services. It will feature a spectacular glass canopied entrance on the Moor and a timber and glass roof covering a single trading floor with three entrances and strong through routes. The building will incorporate low energy cooling and maximum recycling of waste.

Commenting on the award Kier Construction regional managing director, Gary Wintersgill, said: "Kier is privileged to be selected as preferred contractor to work in partnership with Sheffield City Council and SWIPP. The Moor Market and retail development is an extremely important element of the regeneration of the Moor and wider commercial offering across the city.

"The Moor is an integral part of the history of Sheffield and we look forward to further engaging with the existing Castle Market traders, communities and partnerships associated with this very exciting project."

Construction of the flagship development is seen as a significant sign of confidence in the city centre and Kier is due to start construction works in June 2012 with completion scheduled by the end of 2013.

(CD/GK)