Land Securities announced today that it will be adding to its development programme with the start of its Trinity Leeds development, in Leeds city center. The approx. 93,000-m² scheme is the first major retail-led development in the UK to get the go ahead in recent times.
The development is already some 47% pre-let or in solicitors hands bringing together the best of the UK high street, premier brands and international retailers. The development has attracted new flagship stores for TopShop/TopMan, H&M, River Island and Next and secured new brands for the city with Hollister and Cult. The new retailers will join the existing major stores of Marks & Spencer, Bhs and Boots, creating one of the strongest retail offers in a regional UK city when it opens in spring 2013.
Richard Akers, Managing Director Retail for Land Securities, commented on the announcement "We have seen a building of momentum with the level of secured lettings demonstrating the confidence in Leeds as a destination and in the Trinity Leeds project, which is the first major development scheme outside London to go live. The quality of retailers that we have signed to the scheme supports Land Securities' view that there is demand from retailers for the right property in the right location."
It is anticipated that works will start back on site next month with a construction contract due to be signed imminently. The £350mln. (approx. 294 mln.) project will create up to 1,000 construction related jobs at the peak of its development programme and will employ an estimated 3,000 retail related positions upon completion.
The development will offer more than 120 retail units and will include a stylish new casual dining and leisure quarter including the first Everyman Cinema in the North and restaurant operators Carluccio's and Yo!Sushi. A new landmark restaurant opportunity has also been created adjacent to the magnificent Grade I listed Holy Trinity church which is incorporated within the scheme's landscape.
Trinity Leeds will transform the shopping zone around Briggate, Commercial Street, Albion Street and Boar Lane and occupy a prime position connected to the city's office quarter and main transportation links. The Leeds Shopping Plaza will be extensively re-modelled to enable its seamless integration within the new shopping and leisure environment.
Appointed agents for Trinity Leeds are Central Retail, Cushman and Wakefield, Jones Lang LaSalle and Shelley Sandzer.
Source: Land Securities
