Eastgate development moves closer
THE Eastgate Quarters shopping development has moved a step closer after developer Hammerson secured planning permission to move a church.
Hammerson will move the Bridge Street Pentecostal Church from its current site to the former Agnes Stewart Church of England School in Burmantofts.
Joe Swindells, Hammerson’s development manager, said: “We are delighted to have received planning consent for the relocation of the church as we have been working in partnership with the church for a number of years.
“This is a key project which will enable us to bring forward the Eastgate scheme and it will be the first significant enabling works before construction of the newly proposed Templar arcade and redevelopment of Harewood Quarter commences.”
The 1m sq ft scheme in Leeds is expected to create around 4,000 retail and leisure jobs and will include 130 retail and restaurant units including John Lewis and Marks & Spencer.
Bridge Street pastor Steve Reilly said: “Relocating the church back to Burmantofts will be a move that is taking us back to where we began.
“We have been working with Hammerson for a number of years now and have always had a great relationship with them. Both the church trustees and the congregation are excited about this projects and the opportunity it presents to continue to grow as a parish.”
The application was managed by planning consultancy Barton Willmore.
