Shopping centre Trinity Leeds has been given the go ahead by developers Land Securites, which has said it expects work to resume on site next month, in preparation for opening in spring 2013.

The 1 million sq ft scheme, which was started but put on hold last year due to the recession, will be the first major retail-led development in the UK to get the go-ahead in recent times following the economic downturn.

The scheme is 47% pre-let or in solicitors hands. Land Securities said it is attracting “the best of the UK high street, premier brands and international retailers”.  

Topshop, Topman, H&M, River Island and Next have all signed to the £350m scheme, as well as Hollister and Cult. They join existing retailers including Marks & Spencer, Bhs and Boots, “creating one of the strongest retail offers in a regional UK city when it opens in Spring 2013”, according to Land Securities.

Managing director retail for Land Securities Richard Akers said:  “We have seen a building of momentum with the level of secured lettings demonstrating the confidence in Leeds as a destination and in the Trinity Leeds project, which is the first major development scheme outside London to go live. The quality of retailers that we have signed to the scheme supports Land Securities’ view that there is demand from retailers for the right property in the right location.”

Appointed agents for Trinity Leeds are Central Retail, Cushman and Wakefield, Jones Lang LaSalle and Shelley Sandzer.

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In pictures: Trinity Leeds shopping centre opens for business