MEADOWHALL: ITS IMPACT ON SHEFFIELD CITY CENTRE AND ROTHERHAM

In September 1990 the Meadowhall Regional Shopping Centre in Sheffield′s Lower Don Valley opened its doors to trading. There has been much speculation of its anticipated impact on neighbouring shopping centres. The Regional Shopping Centre phenomenon is briefly examined before looking at the likely impact of Meadowhall on Sheffield City Centre and Rotherham in more detail. Both centres face a number of problems in retail provision. Sheffield City Centre is hampered by its linear nature with three distinct areas of retailing. Like many town centres, problems of traffic congestion and the need for more parking are evident in both cases. Meadowhall provides 12,000 free parking spaces and will attract the car owner. With car ownership on the increase this has implications for existing retailers. Finally, the question of whether any initiatives are being proposed by public and private bodies to promote the traditional high street shopping environment in Sheffield or Rotherham is examined.