Victoria Gate scheme moves a step closer

THE retail developer behind the Victoria Gate scheme in Leeds, Hammerson, has submitted its detailed planning application to Leeds City Council.

Outline planning consent was achieved in July 2011 and Hammerson has now submitted detailed designs for the three main buildings: a flagship John Lewis, Victoria Gate arcade, with up to 30 stores, restaurants, cafes and a casino and a multi-storey car park for up to 800 cars.

The application will be determined by Leeds City Council’s Plans Panel in the autumn and subject to positive determination, construction of the £130m development is scheduled to start in spring 2014.

Victoria Gate’s project director, Joe Swindells, said: “We’re pleased to be submitting the detailed planning applications which, if determined, will be another key milestone towards getting construction underway.

“We are confident that we have developed the best possible scheme to help put Leeds on the map as one of the UK’s top retail destinations.”

The first phase will create up to 1,500 retail and hospitality jobs and 6,000 construction employment opportunities.