£600m regeneration scheme for city centre site given green light

Leeds City Council’s city centre plans panel granted consent for Hammerson’s proposal for the regeneration of Eastgate Quarters.

Developers said that once completed the 92,900 square metre scheme will create approximately 4,000 retail and leisure jobs and will transform the site north-east of Leeds city centre, most of which has been empty for the past four decades.

Eastgate Quarters will make provision for two of the UK’s largest names in retailing, John Lewis and Marks and Spencer, alongside 130 new retail and restaurants units.

The scheme also includes major changes such as a new civic square and the pedestrianisation of all the streets within Eastgate Quarters.

The £600m project will also includes the restoration of historic buildings, a two level shopping arcade which will complement Leeds’s rich architectural heritage, refurbished offices and the largest shopper car park in the city with around 2,500 spaces.

A low-carbon energy centre for the scheme has also been consented which will provide heating, cooling and electricity required by the development, with the opportunity to also support neighbouring homes and businesses.

Andrew Hilston, project director for Eastgate Quarters, said: “I am delighted with the positive decision from Leeds City Council.

“Hammerson has been working hard over the past few years to develop the best possible scheme to put Leeds firmly on the retail map. The scheme will create thousands of jobs, boosting the local economy, and will strengthen Leeds’s status as a leading European city destination.”

Leeds City Council executive board member responsible for city development, Richard Lewis, said: “Eastgate Quarters will ensure the city’s retail sector can continue to compete nationally and internationally and bring thousands of jobs to the city.

“It is a rare opportunity to develop a part of the city centre which is in need of investment and regeneration.

“The low carbon energy centre is particularly exciting project which offers huge potential for the city.”