Sheffield shipping container complex given green light despite objections

Artist's impression of the development between the Odeon cinema and the O2 Academy in Sheffield

A new shipping container complex featuring street food vendors and bars has been given the go-ahead.

The development, called STACK, will be located between Sheffield's O2 Academy and the Odeon Cinema.

It is hoped the scheme, which is set to open in spring 2025, will create up to 140 jobs.

Planning permission was granted by Sheffield City Council officers despite objections from parties including the operator of the O2 Academy.

Documents said the containers would be placed in a currently "underutilised area" between the academy and cinema, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Academy Music Group, which runs the O2, said the development "threatens the ability of the O2 to operate".

But the applicant's consultant said the group had "neglected to engage with the design team".

'Contemporary social hub'

Other parties also raised objections including Green Party councillor Ruth Mersereau, who called for more cycle storage to "enable more people to visit the complex in more sustainable ways".

Another objector suggested there was a lack of space for emergency evacuation when the containers were planted.

Developers said the scheme would provide a mixed-use development which would bring a "contemporary social hub to this busy and popular part of Sheffield city centre".

They added: "The intention is to recreate the atmosphere previously generated at other highly successful and popular container developments in other cities such as Newcastle."