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North Sheffield’s new retail destination enjoys an Ab Fab launch

North Sheffield’s new retail destination enjoys an Ab Fab launch

North Sheffield’s new retail destination enjoys an Ab Fab launch

18 June 2016

North Sheffield’s new £50 million Fox Valley development was officially opened by Absolutely Fabulous star Joanna Lumley OBE on Thursday (June 16th) who declared the new centre open to a huge crowd of shoppers.

Joanna, who plays shopaholic Patsy in the hit comedy Absolutely Fabulous,  was the guest of honour at the official opening event which marked the launch of the first stores in a retail line up which is set to put this part of north Sheffield on the map as a major retail destination.

Children from Stocksbridge Junior School helped by cutting the ribbons on all the stores and the crowds were entertained by the fantastic sound of the Deepcar Brass Band and Bolsterstone Male Voice Choir.

Ms Lumley, who's new Absolutely Fabulous film is released next month, told the crowds she was delighted have been asked to open the new centre and spent time chatting to shoppers in some of the newly opened stores.

She also visited the Stonebridge Homes site to launch their new showhome on the company's 118 home development neighbouring the Fox Valley shopping centre.

Even the heavy rain showers throughout the day seemed appropriate – given the site’s history as the home of the Paragon umbrella frame which was patented by Samuel Fox in Stocksbridge in the 1850s. One of the buildings at Fox Valley which is home to the Central Bean café has been designed in the shape of the famous umbrella.

Mark Dransfield, Managing Director of Dransfield Properties said: “The official opening was a fantastic day for our company and I hope for everyone in the community here in Stocksbridge. Joanna was delighted with the wonderful and warm welcome she received at Fox Valley. 

“After almost ten years of bringing this scheme to fruition it really is fantastic to see the shops open and the centre busy and bustling.”

Stores which opened their doors on Thursday include the region’s largest ALDI as well as a new Pets at Home with a Groom Room and Veterinary practice, Regatta has also opened in this first phase in a new 4,000 sq. ft. store which houses the company’s Dare2B and Craghopper brands.

Edinburgh Woollen Mills will open their new Fox Valley store on June 23rd also housing Ponden Home Interiors and Peacocks.

Other stores include Full Gas Bikes, Seasalt, Timpsons, Home Bargains, Central Bean, Costa Coffee and Ponti’s Italian Kitchen – with the company’s first venture outside the capital.

Dransfield Properties – the company behind the 36 acre Fox Valley development – has announced the fashion line up which will follow in the next phase of stores opening in September and October with the new autumn and winter fashion ranges. Stores due to open are:

Next – the new north Sheffield store will cover 15,000 sq. ft. and open in October with a full range of men, women’s and children’s fashions as well as a homewares department.

Sandersons Boutique Department Store – a brand new concept 17,000 sq. ft. store which will house a fantastic line up of men’s and women’s fashions and cosmetics, brands include Moda in Pelle, Barbour, Gant, Phase 8, Ted Baker, Part Two and Masai. With homewares including Coach House, Tutti and Alessi.

M&Co – The new Fox Valley store will be the popular fashion and homewares retailer’s first south Yorkshire store.

JoJo Maman Bebe – The premium mother and baby brand is opening its first South Yorkshire store at Fox Valley in September in a brand new 1,000 sq. ft. store.

For more information about the new Fox Valley development go to www.foxvalleysheffield.co.uk
 
 

 

 

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk