76 days to shopping heaven: Leeds Victoria Gate development will open on October 20

LEEDS' long awaited £165-million Victoria Gate shopping centre will open on October 20, with its arrival expected to kickstart a pre-Christmas retail bonanza in the city.
The new John Lewis Store, Leeds..Gavin Smith Senior implementational Manager pictured in the store....Picture by Simon HulmeThe new John Lewis Store, Leeds..Gavin Smith Senior implementational Manager pictured in the store....Picture by Simon Hulme
The new John Lewis Store, Leeds..Gavin Smith Senior implementational Manager pictured in the store....Picture by Simon Hulme

Developer Hammerson today confirmed that the sprawling retail, dining and leisure complex, including its anchor tenant John Lewis, will open its doors to the public for the first time on Thursday, October 20.

It will become part of the new 575,000 sq ft Victoria Estate shopping district, which also includes Leeds’ Victoria Quarter arcades.

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Leeds council leader Judith Blake today hailed the opening date as “another groundbreaking moment in the development of our city centre” - and the jobs and opportunities it will galvanise.

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“It brings hundreds of jobs and training opportunities to the city for people who live here and confirms Leeds as one of the most attractive retail destinations in the country,” she said.

“The opening comes at the optimum time for shoppers and retailers in the pre-Christmas period, attracting people from across the country into the city.

“It will add to the already superb mix of shops and traders in the area who, with the variety and vibrancy they represent together, make Leeds a truly unrivalled retail experience.”

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Victoria Gate is currently 74 per cent pre-let and will also boast new retailers and restaurants including Russell & Bromley, Aspinal of London, Le Pain Quotidien, Neom Organics, T2, GANT, Hackett, Tommy Hilfiger, Anthropologie and international restaurant group D&D.

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Developers hope introducing so many new brands to the city will firmly establish the Victoria Estate as a hub for premium shopping and dining in the North.

Robin Dobson, Director Retail Development at Hammerson said: “It is great to be able to confirm the official launch date for Victoria Gate as the 20th of October.

“Ideally timed for pre-Christmas trade, we are delighted to bring this new and iconic retail destination to Leeds and one that is set to be the largest premium retail and leisure destination outside of London.

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“We look forward to disclosing further detail about the launch celebrations shortly.”

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James Prince, Head of Branch at John Lewis Leeds, said: “I can’t wait for John Lewis Leeds to open its doors for the first time.

“It’s our most service and experiential led shop to date, as we continue to offer more for customers that can’t be replicated online. My new team of partners are really looking forward to serving the people of Leeds and welcoming everyone on opening day.”

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