"Gamechanger" Victoria Gate launches to the public
LEEDS’ newest shopping addition opened yesterday to the public.
Following performances from the Northern Ballet, Opera North, pop band Scouting for Girls and the National School for Contemporary Dance, as well as speeches from Councillor Judith Blake, John Lewis commercial director Paula Nickolds, Hammerson CEO David Atkins and Welcome to Yorkshire chief Gary Verity, Victoria Gate was opened to the public.
The site has created 2,000 jobs for the region and cost developers Hammerson £165m.
Hammerson’s Victoria Gate general manager James Bailey spoke to TheBusinessDesk.com at the launch. He said: “We’re absolutely elated. The best bit is when the customers come in for the first time, how can you not be impressed and bowled over by what we’ve all done here?
“There’s such a rich tapestry of retail in Leeds and this is the perfect complement 75% of the brands we’re bringing in are new to Leeds so it’s a true addition to add to the strong retail heritage we already have.”
Cath Kidston, Bailey Nelson, Ghost, Diverso, Le Pain Quotidien, Neom Organics, Hackett, Tommy Hilfiger, Anthropologie, GANT, Calvin Klein, and international restaurant group D&D have all signed up to the development ,which is opening in prime time for Christmas.
Mr Bailey continued: “It’s a total gamechanger. We supported all the retailers from a multi-channel perspective and we want people to come in and have a truly exceptional time. It’s about that mix between leisure and retail, it’s not just about shopping anymore. We’ve got the perfect environment here to compliment the Victoria Quarter.
Crowds at the £37m John Lewis in Victoria Gate, Leeds
“An added benefit for Victoria Gate is that it creates a link between city centre and cultural quarter – the likes of Opera North and Northern Ballet – really bring them into the city and making them feel joined up.”
Plans for phase two are also underway he said, covering the space adjacent to the development at the former Chinese markets in Leeds. He said that the timescale for the development is yet to be confirmed. “We are keen to understand how Victoria Gate performs and what demand there is for more luxury brands,” he said.
Of course the highlight of the Victoria Gate development is anchor tenant John Lewis. A £37m investment in the store marked a return to Leeds for the brand after 30 years, contributing 550 jobs to the development.
James Prince of John Lewis and non-executive director on the board of the Leeds Business Improvement District also caught up with TheBusinessDesk.com.
Mr Prince said: “We’ve already built up some great links with the cultural quarter and a more collaborative approach to culture and retail in the daytime/nighttime, which is something that the Leeds Business improvement District can help with as well.
He said: “I think most people that know Leeds has seen it transform itself in the last 10-15 years and this is another part of that journey for the city. It will continue to regenerate itself and offer a more varied offering. For different people, those that don’t know Leeds, it’s a city on the up, I would suggest they come and have a look and they will be pleasantly surprised.”
