McAlpine to oversee Leeds John Lewis store plans

The new retail scheme, which received detailed planning consent last year, will see John Lewis open its first store in the city in the flagship site.

Victoria Gate is a 21st century-inspired retail arcade with 30 stores, restaurants, cafes, a casino and a multi-storey car park.

Initial enabling works on the site have already begun and the main work is scheduled to start later this spring.

Hammerson said the first phase of the regeneration scheme will create up to 1,000 construction and 1,000 retail and hospitality jobs.

Vinod Thakrar, Hammerson’s director for project management, said: “With a strong track record of delivering schemes on time and to a high build quality, we are delighted to add Sir Robert McAlpine to the Victoria Gate team.”

Jeremy Collins, property director at John Lewis, said: “We are delighted to see this project coming to fruition.

“It represents a triumph for the partnership we have forged with Hammerson and the city council”.

Hammerson is working with Leeds City Council’s employment and skills service and Sir Robert McAlpine to ensure that the local workforce in Leeds gets access to employment opportunities and will be offering skills and training opportunities.

Coun Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council executive member for leisure and skills, said: “We are committed to ensuring that local people benefit from the new opportunities and to making sure our work with the developer and contractor is tailored effectively to meet the needs of our city.”

Malls defy downturn: Business Tuesday, Page 1.