Marking the only major retail scheme to launch in the UK in 2016, Hammerson’s latest regeneration project, Victoria Gate in Leeds, has opened its doors to the public.
The £165m scheme, adjacent to Hammerson’s Victoria Quarter arcade, forms part of the new 53,400m2 Victoria Leeds shopping destination. This will create the largest premium retail and leisure venue in Northern England moving Leeds up to third in the UK’s best place to shop retail rankings (Javelin).
The scheme is anchored by a flagship John Lewis store, which is the first in Leeds and the largest outside of London with Victoria Gate’s two street arcade also boasting 30 new retail brands and restaurants, as well as a casino.
The scheme is 90% let and the aspirational retail line-up includes global brands such as Nespresso, Le Pain Quotidien, and international restaurant group D&D. 77% of the line-up are debuting in Leeds and 33% of the brands are new to Hammerson’s retail portfolio.
The scheme will deliver customers with a best-in-class experience with the development incorporating exceptional customer service and digital innovation by offering click & collect services, gift wrapping, currency exchange as well as a luxury concierge service.
Having comprehensively regenerated a substantial part of Leeds that had been underutilised for some time, Victoria Gate has delivered over 1,500 employment opportunities in retail, hospitality and construction (522 new construction jobs and over 1,000 retail and leisure roles).
David Atkins, CEO at Hammerson said, “This is a truly unique development and there is nothing else like it in the UK. We are confident that Victoria Gate will set new standards for retail across Europe as it becomes an iconic piece of Leeds’ retail heritage.
“Whilst transforming the city’s luxury and aspirational shopping and dining offer, Victoria Gate will also provide a significant contribution to Leeds’ local economy with the city now set to become the undisputed regional shopping capital of the North.”
Leeds City Council Leader Councillor, Judith Blake said, “Victoria Gate is already making a big impact on Leeds. It has introduced a significant number of employment opportunities locally. It is a striking scheme which has redefined the skyline in that sector of the city centre and its opening will further cement Leeds’ place as one of the best places to shop and visit in the UK.
'I’m delighted to welcome its opening on behalf of the city and I’m confident it will be a fantastic addition to our existing diverse offer of independent, high street and luxury retailers.”
