John Lewis set to anchor Eastgate Quarter in Leeds

The department store group plans to open the 24,000 sq mt store in the Harewood section of the Hammerson-owned scheme, which is set to create two new retail streets.

Work on the proposed £110m centre will commence in spring 2014, subject to planning approval in 2013.

Leed is also set to benefit from another large retail scheme, with the Land Securities Trinity Leeds development opening in the city next year.

Plans for the Harewood part of Eastgate Quarter feature 30 retail units as well as the John Lewis flagship and is set to open in 2016.

Eastgate Quarters will cover about 1 million sq ft of new retail and leisure space.

Hammerson said: “Despite an affluent population and its prominent position as the principal shopping destination in Yorkshire, Leeds has suffered from a lack of quality retail space over many years. This is therefore a significant opportunity to capture growing consumer demand in the wider region by bringing exciting new brands to the city.”

John Lewis property director Jeremy Collins said: “This is a significant step forward in bringing John Lewis closer to having a retail presence in Leeds. We firmly believe the development will successfully regenerate the area and lift the city to a new level in the hierarchy of UK shopping destinations.”

Hammerson chief executive David Atkins said: “Leeds has an excellent reputation for high end shopping and bringing John Lewis to the city will reinforce Leeds’ position amongst both retailers and shoppers.

I’m confident that the quality of the scheme and the strength of catchment means we will see encouraging demand from aspirational and luxury retailers currently absent from Leeds’ shopping scene.”  

Cllr Keith Wakefield, Leader of Leeds City Council said: “Eastgate Quarters is a hugely significant development for the city which will enable our retail sector to compete with other British cities and attract international visitors and investors.  It will bring thousands of new visitors to the city as well as creating a significant number of jobs for local people.”