Plans for city centre development to go on display

Plans to revitalise an historic street in Leeds city centre will go on display to the public tomorrow.

Leeds City Council and development partners Town Centre Securities Plc are asking for feedback on plans to regenerate the historic George Street and Butchers Row area of the city.

A public exhibition will be held tomorrow at the Events Space in Kirkgate Market. Members of the development team will be on hand between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

The materials will then be displayed at The Merrion Centre on Wednesday March 28 between 11am and 3pm.

The project will complement the successful refurbishment of the Grade 1 Listed Kirkgate Market and improve connectivity between the market and Victoria Gate.

The proposals include a new 126 room apart-hotel and nine new retail units.

Alistair Smith, associate director at Town Centre Securities Plc, said: “This is an exciting project that will create a new gateway to the market from George Street. The design will complement the recently refurbished Grade 1 Listed market building and regenerate George Street and the north side of the market building.

“I would encourage people to come along to the consultation and let us know what they think of the plans.”

Cllr Richard Lewis Leeds City Council’s executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, added: “Kirkgate Market is a key landmark at the heart of the city and is of great importance to the people of Leeds. The George Street project marks the final phase of the market’s transformation.

“The apart-hotel is a very positive addition to the city and will further diversify the market and surrounding area.”

The scheme would create arounf 50 new full and part-time jobs locally, with around 80 new jobs being created during construction.