Sheffield City Council has entered into an agreement with RREEF (UK) Ltd (Deutsche Bank) that would see the closing of the existing Castle market (Central Markets) and its relocation to a new site on the Moor.

The new indoor market would be leased by the Council only on a short-term lease (under 30 years) from RREEF. The market would be in a building that would include 1100 single bedroom flats for students. As part of the original planning application, RREEF were demanding that the Moor street market was to be moved/closed.

Sheffield Green Party strongly objected to the planning application.
We are opposed to the closing down of the street market because it serves the local community with inexpensive foods and other merchandise. (The Council are now trying to re-negotiate with RREEF on this).

We opposed the creation of further single bedroom buildings in the city centre as being in excess of demand and instead we need a better mix of dwellings in the city centre. (Because of changes in the property market, RREEF may be seeking a modified development now).

We opposed the structure of the development for its lack of overall sustainability We opposed the need for an associated car park but suggested that improved public transport should be provided to the Markets if planning approval was given.

We are also concerned about the traffic implications of the development.

Our opposition to the development was not supported by the Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors on the Planning Board.

27 November 2007