Apart-hotel plans revealed to ‘revitalise’ a city centre area
Proposals for a major scheme to ‘revitalise’ an area of Leeds near to the historic markets, including building an apart-hotel and commercial units, have been revealed.
Town Centre Securities have put together a proposals to transform the area between Kirkgate Market and the Victoria Gate development.
This would include replacing the 1930s and 1980s buildings with a new apart-hotel and nine commercial units, with the aim of bringing more visitors into the area and improving the flow of customers between the market and Victoria Gate. It it anticipated that high quality retailers will be attracted to the sites, adding value and complementing the existing offer in the market.
Town Centre Securities also own other assets on nearby Vicar Lane, where redevelopment proposals are being considered.
Members of Leeds City Council’s plans panel considered initial proposals, which were put together following an open invitation by the council, to all developers, for proposals to create a high-quality development for the gateway.
The ground floor commercial units will have entrances on George Street and form connections through to the former Butchers Row, which offers the opportunity to access the market from several points along George Street. The apart-hotel will also link directly into the market as well as from George Street to encourage guests to visit Kirkgate during their stay in Leeds.
Councillor Richard Lewis, of Leeds City Council, said: “The redevelopment of the George Street area is a unique opportunity to enhance and revitalise an historic area of the city. We are at early stages of the proposals but we are keen to work with the developers to create the right development for this part of the city.
“The existing buildings are outdated and out of proportion with the Grade I Listed market building and the Victoria Leeds development opposite, so by creating a building more in-keeping with its new surroundings, we can encourage new visitors and enhance business for our market traders.”
Edward Ziff, chairman and chief executive at Town Centre Securities, added: “Having successfully worked with Hammerson in the early stages of Victoria Gate, we are keen to continue regeneration of this area of the city, and ensure there are some strong linkages between Victoria Gate and the market. We believe the redevelopment of the George Street buildings will strengthen these linkages to the benefit of both”.
Final approval for the scheme will be sought from the executive board later this year and a full planning application submitted in early 2018.
Discussions with the existing tenants who will be affected by the redevelopment have been taking place for a number of years and alternative arrangements have already been made with the majority, either to relocate elsewhere, potentially look to be part of the completed development or receive an appropriate level of compensation. Final arrangements are in the process of being made with the remaining traders.
