350 jobs promised as work gets underway on £13.7m shopping centre extension
WORK has started on a 65,000 sq ft leisure extension to White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds.
The £13.7m design and build contract has been awarded to construction and infrastructure company Morgan Sindall by Land Securities. The contract also provides for a 15-month maintenance period.
The latest project includes plans for an 11-screen cinema, operated by Cineworld IMAX, six additional family friendly restaurants and a raft of public realm features.
It is hoped that the outdoor areas will be used to host seasonal events such as Christmas markets and summer pop-ups.
The cinema will have a net internal floor area of 44,369 sq ft and feature the latest IMAX technology. The plans include the installation of specialist padding around the steel work to allow for optimum acoustics.
The six retail units total 25,000 sq ft with Pizza Hut, Wagamama, TGI Fridays and Chiquito already confirmed as tenants.
Once complete it is estimated that the extension will deliver 350 new full-time and part-time jobs to the area.
Barry Roberts, area director at Morgan Sindall, said: “This is a fantastic project to be involved with and one which many people in West Yorkshire and beyond will benefit from. It will be a remarkable addition to the family leisure offering of the region and we understand our responsibility in making the vision of the developer a reality.”
Rob Jewell, portfolio director at Land Securities, said: “The decision to appoint Morgan Sindall to deliver this latest improvement to White Rose Centre was an obvious one given its exemplary previous work on the project.
“The addition of the IMAX cinema and dining options will enhance the strong retail offer at White Rose Shopping Centre and provide the full day experience that modern customers are accustomed to. Land Securities is thrilled to provide the centre’s loyal catchment with prestigious and favoured leisure and dining brands, such as Cineworld IMAX, Wagamama and Chiquito.”
It is expected that the new extension will be operational in the summer of 2017.
