WIllmott Dixon Sheffield project delayed by power-connection woes
Summary
Sheffield City Council says the Event Central redevelopment in Fargate has been delayed after the site’s electricity supply was disconnected following identification of an unsafe connection. The £14.4m Willmott Dixon scheme, which involves major refurbishment and structural alterations to a former retail building, is now expected to open in 2027 rather than this year.
Why it matters
The case highlights how utility connection issues can materially affect programme, cost and delivery risk on constrained city-centre refurbishment projects. Surveyors involved in redevelopment, defect investigation or project monitoring should note the implications of unsafe temporary or existing connections and the need for robust technical resolution.
Key points
- Power to the site was disconnected after an unsafe connection was identified.
- The project completion date has slipped from end-2025 to 2027.
- The scheme involves substantial structural alterations and strengthening works.
- Sheffield City Council is working with Northern Powergrid and contractors on a permanent solution.
- The project is backed by government and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority funding.
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