Hammerson submits Eastgate Quarters plans

PROPERTY developer Hammerson has announced the submission of new plans for the Eastgate retail project.

Speaking to TheBusinessDesk.com at international property conference MIPIM, Robin Dobson, director, retail development at Hammerson, said the scheme would create 4,000 new jobs for the region and would include an “aspirational” mix of retailers.

Hammerson unveiled new designs for the Eastgate Quarters scheme last year which already has lease agreements in place with proposed anchor tenants John Lewis and Marks & Spencer.

The updated plans see John Lewis move to a different part of the site. Public realm – a key feature of the scheme – is also being relocated.

Mr Dobson said the construction of the scheme would take place over a three year period but he did not put a start date on the project.

Announcing the resubmitted outline planning application at the Leeds City Region stand this morning, Mr Dobson said: “This is a really exciting day. We feel the submission of these plans is a real milestone.”

Mr Dobson (below right with Leeds City Council’s Martin Farrington at MIPIM) said the scheme’s “magnitude” would take Leeds “to the next level”.

The scheme will include around 350,000 sq ft of department stores, around 140,000 sq ft of cafes, restaurants and eating space, around 350,000 sq ft of retail space and 100,000 sq ft of offices.

Public realm will account for around 90,000 sq ft and a new arcade will be created as part of the scheme to provide new retail space for small and medium sized businesses.

The development will include the restoration of the Grade II listed Templar House set around a new public square which could be used for city events alongside improvements to the historic Templar House Hotel. 

It will also include 3,000 new car parking spaces.