Redevelopment of retail centre gets go-ahead

The Merrion Centre’s New Front leisure development, adjacent to the Leeds Arena development, will see 80,000 sq ft of retail space created, as well as bars, cafes, restaurants and a gym along Merrion Way and Wade Lane. It is expected to create around 200 jobs.

The property investment and development company behind the revamp, Town Centre Securities plc (TCS), also has plans to include public realm works that will allow for an outdoor area designed for Continental–style street café seating.

The development proposals also include the 1,000 space multi-storey car park, which will undergo a complete refurbishment and upgrade, creating convenient state-of-the-art parking for shoppers, visitors and Arena users.

Work on the development will start early next year and will be completed in advance of the Leeds Arena, situated next to the centre, in 2013.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council executive board member responsible for city development, said: “We welcome this news that the Merrion Centre New Front leisure scheme is going ahead.

“It is an exciting scheme which will create jobs and enhance the centre’s retail and leisure attractions and ensure it can fully benefit from the business opportunities offered by the Leeds Arena.

“This scheme is clear evidence of the positive and catalytic effect of the arena development on regeneration in the city centre and the wider region.”

Helen Beckett, associate director at Town Centre Securities, said: “Together with the arena development, we are going to transform this part of the city, injecting new vibrancy and vitality into the area.”