Bigger could be better for shopping centre

Francis Salway, chief executive, said expansion would capitalise on the trend towards larger retail units.

Britain’s biggest commercial property company has outline planning permission to develop 45,000 sq ft of additional floor space at the South Leeds retail destination.

Mr Salway told the Yorkshire Post: “We will use that to expand probably by going up a bit above some of the existing units to create bigger units.

“A lot of retailers now want to trade from bigger units. It’s important that cities and developers provide them with the most efficient size of unit.”

He said the extra capacity would allow Land Securities to carry on attracting investment from the strongest retailers.

Mr Salway added: “When White Rose was opened (in 1997), people will have taken a unit of 2,500 sq ft. The leading fashion retailers would probably now want a unit of 10,000 sq ft plus.”

He said some existing tenants may like to expand.

Mr Salway added: “We would hope in time that we may be able to accommodate that. That would come down to discussions with Leeds City Council.

“But I think increasingly there is a recognition that a city the size of Leeds would have a vibrant city centre and some out-of-town retail as well.”

Land Securities made money on the development of White Rose and continues to get good investment returns, he said.