Shopping centre revamp on the agenda to cash in on new arena

BDP Architects have devised a plan which would see the closure of the existing Merrion Market to create space for six new units to be occupied by restaurants, bars and a gym.

A report by Leeds Council’s chief planning officer says that the proposals are at an early stage and are being presented to councillors for their comments ahead of the submission of a planning application later in the year.

His report says that Merrion Market “has a high level of vacancy, with one of its longest standing occupiers, Nevilles DIY, having recently vacated.”

The scheme being worked up would involve the reconfiguration of floorspace within the existing Merrion Market.

“The units would be occupied by restaurants, bars and a gym,” the reports states.

“It is currently intended that units east of the car park access would extend forward of the existing building line. An outdoor seating area would also be formed probably resulting in the loss of existing trees.” The developer is also proposing to remove the canopy to the west of the car park and create glazed shopfronts.

Existing solid walls which front Wade Lane would be replaced by clear glazed shopfronts and existing pavements would be improved.

The car parking layout is currently being developed with a view to increasing the size of car parking spaces and providing more spaces for parking for disabled people.

As a result the total number of spaces – 1,050 – is likely to drop by around 100, the report notes.

New parking payment arrangements and the possibility of an extra entrance lane are also being looked into.