£7m food court investment creates new jobs
A £7m food court expansion in White Rose Shopping Centre is underway.
The food court in the Leeds-based scheme is set to increase to in excess of 21,000 sq ft, which adds an extra 14,000 sq ft onto its current size. It has already created 30 new jobs.
Harlan Pollitt, portfolio manager for landlord Land Securities, said: “Customer feedback indicated the need to improve our food and beverage offer and we believe the customer journey and experience will be enhanced with this expansion.
“The food court redevelopment will add momentum to the high calibre of retailers that are launching with in the scheme and it will cement White Rose’s position as a fashion and leisure destination.”
The redevelopment sees the arrival of Frankie & Benny’s, Prezzo, Wok ‘n’ Go and the handmade burger Co which join Nando’s, McDonalds, Costa Coffee and Bagel Nash in the centre’s upper level food court.
Work is set to be completed by early spring 2014 and is being headed by Morgan Sindall
In addition to the Morgan Sindall site team, the development has provided work for six sub-contract companies based in the Leeds area, including mechanical installation specialists and installers of sprinkler systems and cladding.
Harlan added: “It’s exciting times at the White Rose. The start of construction work signifies that the expansion has begun. In no time at all we’re going to be the proud owners of a larger food court which I know all our shoppers will enjoy and appreciate.”
This current investment is in addition to Land Securities’ aspirations to further develop the food and leisure offer. It has recently submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council for a multi-screen cinema, four additional new catering outlets and additional retail space, including extensions to the existing Debenhams and Primark stores and a planning decision by the end of the year.
