Eastgate Quarters gets go ahead

LEEDS City Council has given planning consent to proposal for the regeneration of Eastgate Quarters.

The 1 million sq ft  retail-led scheme from Hammersons could create around 4,000 retail and leisure jobs and will transform the site north-east of Leeds city centre, most of which has been empty for the past four decades. 

"The scheme will create thousands of jobs, boosting the local economy, and will strengthen Leeds’ status as a leading European city destination.”

John Lewis and Marks & Spencer will anchor the scheme, alongside 130 new retail and restaurants units.

The plans, designed by ACME, include major changes such as a new civic square and the pedestrianisation of all the streets within Eastgate Quarters. The £600m scheme also includes the restoration of historic buildings, a two level shopping arcade which will complement Leeds’ rich architectural heritage, refurbished offices and the largest shopper car park in the city with around 2,500 spaces.

A low-carbon energy centre for the scheme has also been consented which will provide heating, cooling and electricity required by the development, with the opportunity to also support neighbouring homes and businesses.

Andrew Hilston, project director for Eastgate Quarters said: “Hammerson has been working hard over the past few years to develop the best possible scheme to put Leeds firmly on the retail map. The scheme will create thousands of jobs, boosting the local economy, and will strengthen Leeds’ status as a leading European city destination.”

Jeremy Collins, Property Director for John Lewis said: “We welcome the news that Hammerson has been granted planning permission for Eastgate Quarters, which will bring John Lewis one step closer to having a retail presence in Leeds. We firmly believe the development will successfully regenerate the area and lift the city to a new level in the hierarchy of UK shopping destinations."