Land Securities plans expansion of White Rose shopping centre
Plans have been revealed for a massive expansion of the White Rose shopping centre in Leeds which could lead to the creation of hundreds of new jobs.
Land Securities, the owner and manager of the shopping centre, is to seek permission for an additional 120,000 sq ft of retail space and 65,000 sq ft of leisure space at the 76-acre site.
A planning application for new retail space, including extensions to the centre’s existing Debenhams and Primark stores, a 10 screen cinema and four new catering outlets will be submitted to Leeds City Council later this year. If approved, the expansion will result in the creation of hundreds of new jobs at the centre.
Land Securities’ portfolio director Gerald Jennings, said: “Since its opening in March 1997, White Rose has proved extremely successful, attracting up to 13 million shoppers a year and providing employment for thousands of local people.
Never Miss a Retail Update!“An indication of the centre’s strong performance over the past 15 years is the fact that Debenhams, which has been at White Rose since the centre opened, is looking to increase its floorspace and Primark, which opened in 2006, also wishes to expand.
“If our planning application is approved, it will enable the expansion of both stores, see the introduction of new catering outlets and the opening of the only cinema in south Leeds, which will be a valuable amenity for the local community.
“These improvements will add to the vibrancy of White Rose and contribute to its future success, while ensuring that the centre remains competitive and continues to provide employment opportunities.
“This investment, combined with the £350 million that we are investing in Trinity Leeds in the city centre, is designed to strengthen the city’s overall retail and leisure offer.”
Coun Bob Gettings added: “The White Rose Centre has a good record of bringing new jobs to local communities. A recent study showed that many of those jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities came the way of Morley residents. I am encouraged to hear from the White Rose Centre that they are prepared to back their positive job creation record with a legal planning agreement to continue this work.”
The proposals for the White Rose expansion will be on display at a public exhibition being held at the at the White Rose Shopping Centre on 15 September.
