Land Securities has announced plans to expand its White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds.
The company said an application for four new catering outlets and the extension of the existing Debenhams and Primark stores would be submitted to the city council later this year.
The plans seek permission for 120,000 sq ft of new retail and 65,000 sq ft of leisure space at the 76-acre site.
Land Securities’ portfolio director Gerald Jennings said: “Since its opening in March 1997, White Rose has proved extremely successful, attracting up to 13m shoppers a year and providing employment for thousands of local people.
“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.”
Jennings added: “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 £350m that we are investing in Trinity Leeds in the city centre, is designed to strengthen the city’s overall retail and leisure offer.”
The proposals for White Rose will be on display at a public exhibition being held at the Alexandra Hall in Morley Town Hall between 11am and 8pm on Friday 14 September and at White Rose Shopping Centre from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 15 September.
Jennings added: “We hope that as many people as possible visit the exhibition and give us their views, as this will help us in shaping the planning application that we submit later this year.”
jack.sidders@estatesgazette.com
