Meadowhall Interchange rail platforms opened on 21 March 1994. The section of line from Meadowhall to Fitzalan Square, in the city centre, was the first phase of the network to open. Meadowhall Interchange was selected as the initial site for Sheffield's High Speed 2 station, with a high-level viaduct station planned to be constructed parallel to the M1 motorway's Tinsley Viaduct adjacent to the mainline station. However, these plans were eventually dropped, with plans for High Speed 2 services to instead serve Sheffield station in the city centre. As part of the plans for High Speed 2, proposals were put forward for
Meadowhall (shopping centre) "boutique arcade." The "Park Lane" area is now seen as the most upmarket area of Meadowhall with stores such as Pretty Green, House of Fraser, Hugo Boss, White Stuff, Yo! Sushi and Debenhams. In 2015 Meadowhall celebrated its 25th anniversary, and announced in the same year a £60 million interior refurbishment to make it fit with newer centres opened since 1990. The refurbishment has allowed some retailers to install double-height shop fronts. The first phase was completed in April 2017 and the second phase was completed in November 2017 with most of the work being done when after hours so