Artist impressions of £60k new look Meadowhall

More design details behind the shopping centre’s £60 million refurbishment have been revealed.

Dated features such as arches and Juliet balconies will be removed and replaced with natural materials, modern glass and structural balustrades with bronze skirting.  

Feature lighting will create a bright and welcoming atmosphere, with digitally glazed double height shop fronts, and the removal of bridges to improve visibility between malls.

The £60 million refurbishment began last year and is due to be completed in 2017.

A spokeswoman for Meadowhall said: “The design will provide an energy saving naturally ventilated space and feature a breathtaking green living wall to enhance the space in the welcome hall.”

The mall will be split into four different areas each with a different theme:

- The Arcade area will be at the heart of Meadowhall. A fun and exciting area that will host shows and displays.

- The High Street will be focused on families and children, with natural materials to create a light and welcoming atmosphere.

- Park Lane is the high fashion zone, sophisticated and comfortable with a comprehensive range of retailers.

- The Gallery will feature decorative lighting and metal panels for an industrial and urban feel, with plenty on offer for young adults, teenagers and children.

Darren Pearce, Meadowhall director, said: “We are excited with the progress of the build so far, we’ve got some fantastic design features and look forward to revealing the new space which will help to accommodate Meadowhall’s evolution.

“The project has also given us the opportunity to work with local businesses to ensure materials sourced are the best option environmentally, without compromising on design.”

The refurbishment will also recycle rainwater and aim to reduce carbon emission through less energy.

Meadowhall was also the first shopping centre to install electric car charging points.  

FACT FILE

Using top quality materials such as GRG 3D cladding, ash/beech timber cladding and reinforced glass, the refurbishment will feature:

- 3,000m2 of perforated metal cladding from Sheffield-based EE Ingleton Engineering, which is enough to fill two football pitches.

- 1,500 metres of glass balustrade supplied from Dearneside (architectural metalworkers located in Parkwood Springs) which is as tall as the UK's highest mountain Ben Nevis.

- 0.5 acres of timber cladding sourced from FSC certified forests which is the same size as eight tennis courts.

- 750 metres of new circular columns which put end to end is almost as high as the world’s tallest building the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.