Glimpse of new £150m Victoria Gate scheme in Leeds

STANDING on top of what will soon be Leeds’ new John Lewis store, an impressive panorama unfolds in front of us.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Jul 2015, 10:00 BST
Peter Gallagher, civil engineer at Robert McAlpine, at the North Arcade. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.Peter Gallagher, civil engineer at Robert McAlpine, at the North Arcade. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Peter Gallagher, civil engineer at Robert McAlpine, at the North Arcade. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.

From up here, a picture begins to emerge of just how the £150m Victoria Gate scheme will eventually come together – and what a game-changing development it really is.

After climbing up several storeys of scaffolding to reach the roof, the view is well worth the effort. For crane supervisor David Griffiths, the stunning urban landscape is something he gets to enjoy every day.

“You get some of the best views of Leeds up here.

Peter Gallagher, civil engineer at Robert McAlpine, at the John Lewis store. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.Peter Gallagher, civil engineer at Robert McAlpine, at the John Lewis store. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Peter Gallagher, civil engineer at Robert McAlpine, at the John Lewis store. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.
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“I’m not scared of heights but you have to have a respect for them.”

Speaking about the project, he said: “From what’s in the pipeline for this area it sounds like a good rejuvenation for this end of town.

“It’s good to see it actually coming to life now.”

Once finished, Victoria Gate will be home to two arcades – a north and a south arcade with around 30 luxury retailers – as well as a casino, restaurants, an 850-space multi-storey car park and a flagship John Lewis store complete with rooftop restaurant.

The scheme is due to open in Autumn 2016.

Related topics:John LewisLeeds