Wraps come off another Leeds retail development

The graphics have been released ahead of the launch of an official three-day public consultation, which runs from 10am tomorrow from the fountain within the Victoria Quarter.

The blueprint for the £120m scheme includes a flagship John Lewis store, with a striking “diamond” inspired facade drawing on Leeds’ textile heritage.

It also features the Victoria Gate arcade, with stores, restaurants, cafes and leisure space in a two-street glass-roofed arcade linking Victoria Quarter to the John Lewis store. A multi-storey car park for up to 800 cars is also included in the overall design.

The design, say bosses, pays homage to the city’s rich textile history, and - using a mixture of white terracotta and red bricks - takes inspiration from Leeds’ other iconic buildings,

Project director Joe Swindells said: “We wanted to design buildings which pay tribute to Leeds’ architectural heritage while making a statement and creating a landmark within the city. ACME (the architect) has done a huge amount of research into the rich texture and contrasting materials from commercial and retail buildings in Leeds, which has inspired the new designs for both Victoria Gate and John Lewis.”

The giant signage proposed for the development’s flagship John Lewis - measuring the equivalent size of two double decker buses - has previously drawn criticism, as has the proposed neighbouring multi-storey car park, which could be made out of twisted metal “fins”. However, developer Hammerson’s overall vision has been welcomed as “aspirational”.

Victoria Gate - formerly known as Eastgate Quarters - is expected to create up to 1,500 retail and hospitality jobs. It is part of a series of major city centre developments, including the recently opened Trinity Leeds.

The Victoria Gate site extends over more than 17 acres - with 1.1m sq ft of retail and leisure space. If the final plans are approved, construction is expected to start in spring of next year. John Lewis will be the anchor store, alongside 30 retail units, restaurants and leisure space.