Trinity Quarter

This large £150m project will be one of the latest additions to the Leeds Shopping scene.

The 260,000 ft² complex will house a range of shops and retail units and will also include a new 5 storey office tower to replace the existing Saville House

The architects behind the project are Stanley Bragg Partnership, who were behind the design of the refurbished Leeds shopping Plaza. The late Enric Miralles, who designed the Scottish Parliament, has also influenced the design.

Data

No. of floors - 8?
Height -
Building type - Retail, Leisure and Office
Year of construction - 2006?
Architect - Stanley Bragg Partnership
Location - Leeds City Centre

http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/Trinity%20Quarter%201.jpg

http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/Trinity%20Quarter%202.jpg

http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/Trinity%20Quarter%203.jpg

Trinity Qtr? Taking its name from the nearby church presumably.

Mix up's with TrinityOne & TrinityQuay likley?

There an easy way to find out if Trinity Quarter is starting soon or not.

I don't get into Leeds very often, but if anyone is in the City Centre in the near future, just go into one of the shops currently on the site and ask them if they are aware of the timescale for development.

It would be interesting to hear what they say.

http://www.djonas.co.uk/img.aspx?CID=274472&LangID=1

Work was scheduled to start in January 2005. Might we see work starting at the beginning of the new year?

As for the design, i can see a lot of Leeds people having a moan about this one. Too avant-garde?

Well I quite like it, and whatever is built will certainly be an improvement on whats there now. The leedsliveitloveit site says it will start in 2006 (Although no specification of when) but seeing as that is a relitaveley new and up-to-date site I think its quite reliable...

Now here's an interesting piece from the latest Estates Gazette:

"Land Securities has unlocked potential for 1m sq ft of retail development in Leeds by ending a long-running battle between Tops Estates and the Universities Superannuation Scheme.

LandSec - the new owner of the 315,000 sq ft Leeds Shopping Plaza through its £157m purchase of Tops Estates in May - has formally withdrawn its objection to a cumpulsory purchase order granted to USS for its £250m Trinity Quarter retail scheme.

Tops had been trying for almost 5 years to stop USS from expanding the 90,000 sq ft Trinity and Burton Arcades into a 300,000 sq ft mall because it wanted to redevelop its own adjacent centre.

LandSec's move will enable the two schemes to be linked, creating 1m sq ft of shops on 10 acres in the city centre. It has also sparked rumours that USS will appoint the property giant as its development partner.

USS fund surveyor Robert Walden said: "We had always been planning a link to Leeds Plaza and have always said we would look at bringing in a development partner once we had completed the CPO, which will be next year."

He added that although no deal had been secured, LandSec would be on its list of preferred developers. "Until last week we were effectively hostile. But now we can move forward."

Peter Cleary, head of retail development at LandSec, confirmed it had withdrawn its opposition to the CPO. If LandSec is appointed development partner it is expected to join the two centres, which Cleary said were in great demand in Leeds.

The CPO inquiry for the USS scheme will be held in January."

Fantastic news, looks like things could start moving at a faster pace.

Looks like a great project, I haven't been to Leeds in a while but I remember this area and this sort of project will give it a new lease of life

Its about time things started moving. If it starts next year, it will be a case of starting five years after it should have been completed.

Now here's an interesting piece from the latest Estates Gazette:

"Land Securities has unlocked potential for 1m sq ft of retail development in Leeds by ending a long-running battle between Tops Estates and the Universities Superannuation Scheme.

LandSec - the new owner of the 315,000 sq ft Leeds Shopping Plaza through its £157m purchase of Tops Estates in May - has formally withdrawn its objection to a cumpulsory purchase order granted to USS for its £250m Trinity Quarter retail scheme.

Tops had been trying for almost 5 years to stop USS from expanding the 90,000 sq ft Trinity and Burton Arcades into a 300,000 sq ft mall because it wanted to redevelop its own adjacent centre.

LandSec's move will enable the two schemes to be linked, creating 1m sq ft of shops on 10 acres in the city centre. It has also sparked rumours that USS will appoint the property giant as its development partner.

USS fund surveyor Robert Walden said: "We had always been planning a link to Leeds Plaza and have always said we would look at bringing in a development partner once we had completed the CPO, which will be next year."

He added that although no deal had been secured, LandSec would be on its list of preferred developers. "Until last week we were effectively hostile. But now we can move forward."

Peter Cleary, head of retail development at LandSec, confirmed it had withdrawn its opposition to the CPO. If LandSec is appointed development partner it is expected to join the two centres, which Cleary said were in great demand in Leeds.

The CPO inquiry for the USS scheme will be held in January."

funnily enough looked what appeared on the councils planning application list last Friday. Seems we may well be getting a bit of movement on this one after all.

Application 20/497/05/FU
Received on 24/10/2005
Description
amendment to approval ref 20/149/03/fu for 3 storey retail devt (revision of unit frontages and new entrance)
Location
TRINITY STREET TRINITY QUARTER LEEDS 3014-3345 LS1 MAJ
Library

Its about time things started moving. If it starts next year, it will be a case of starting five years after it should have been completed.

How many projects actually end up working to the timescales initially given? Anyway I think we can be quite optomistic that this project will start next summer some time. Fantastic, at least its a move forward! :)

I'm certain now this will get going in 2006, and the Harewood/Eastgate quarter will start mid 2007 I reckon... What Leeds has got for shopping is very good but it needs expanding alot, hopefully the Trinity Quarter will fulfill this. It will certainly add a whole new face to the city centre, ontop of Briggate, Markets, VQ, CornX and all the other things it promotes.

There's a notice attached to one of the street lights on Commercial Street giving details of a forthcoming public meeting about TQ. It seems there are a few formalities to be got through, but it should be good to go for sometime in the new year. :carrot:

Yep - noticed that when Christrmas shopping the other day. It's on the lampost just outside Accessorize if anyone wants to look. I think IIRC the meeting's on the 8th. Good to see this development's still at least ticking over!

Yep - noticed that when Christrmas shopping the other day. It's on the lampost just outside Accessorize if anyone wants to look. I think IIRC the meeting's on the 8th. Good to see this development's still at least ticking over!

Marvellous, can't be many shops left open in there? Some further top retail space is definately needed to maintain the momentum in the city centre. Also fills a bit of a gap until Harewood/Eastgate starts in 2007 (hopefully).

I like the interior design, very modern and counters the traditional arcades.

A £150m retail scheme to revitalise a part of the centre of Leeds looks set to go ahead following the decision by our client Leeds City Council to use CPOs to enable access for construction work.

The council have granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Trinity Quarter in Leeds to Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited (USS). The scheme aims to transform the 1970s architecture of the two arcades and surrounding properties. Complications arose due to challenges from a competing scheme. The Council has now resolved to make the CPO following an appraisal it undertook.

The scheme is expected to create more than 300,000 sq ft of shops on two floors with a glass roof terrace containing cafes, restaurants and a tiered plaza. USS owns the freehold in most of the Trinity Quarter site.

This must surely be starting sometime soon?

There have been so many false dawns it's hard to tell, i see no reason why not. Who's brave enough to ask the shopworkers in Next Clearance when they'll be moving out?

This must surely be starting sometime soon?


Good news, but where is the quote from?

With the Eastgate/Harewood development imminent(ish) I think it's vital that this now goes ahead, to prevent a 'shift' in the central shopping core. This development will give the main shopping area better balance, being more SW whilst Eastgate/Harewood is more NE.

With the Eastgate/Harewood development imminent(ish) I think it's vital that this now goes ahead, to prevent a 'shift' in the central shopping core. This development will give the main shopping area better balance, being more SW whilst Eastgate/Harewood is more NE.

AGREE 100%

Agree the Leeds's main shopping area should expand in directions other than eastwards. However is'nt it a bit unusual that there has been no anchor retail names revealed for this development yet (such as the annoucement of John Lewis for Eastgate). Surely there must be a big anchor planning to open in this development if this new centre is to become a long term success and not a white elephant like the Headrow (former Schofields) Centre.

Given that this isn't aimed at the pricey end of the market, what 'big anchor' names are there left to come to Leeds? I'd guess bigger units may attract relocations of existing stores within Leeds or it will attract 2nd branches of existing stores... Mind you there's always the repeated suggestion that there's hundreds of shops looking to come to Leeds, maybe just not any big ones...
I'd like to see some competition for Morrissons so Leeds has a proper city centre supermarket, that would take up a massive shop floor....
Also might see the likes of Intersport, KFC, Ikea (who I think are looking at introducing city centre stores), etc all currently unrepresented in the city...

Guess as I said in another post that House of Fraser could possibly relocate here as their Leeds store appears to be not as high standard of a store as their Manchester or Birmingham branches. Also isn't it true that there is still a Lewis's in Liverpool. Are they in a state of reasonable expansion at all which could see the return of this well known name to Leeds or are they the sort of shop that no one under 80 shops in and would probably close down in a few years?

Good news, but where is the quote from?
http://www.pinsentmasons.com/expertise/business/urbantowncentre.aspx
It's at the bottom of the page.

Agree the Leeds's main shopping area should expand in directions other than eastwards. However is'nt it a bit unusual that there has been no anchor retail names revealed for this development yet (such as the annoucement of John Lewis for Eastgate). Surely there must be a big anchor planning to open in this development if this new centre is to become a long term success and not a white elephant like the Headrow (former Schofields) Centre.

One of the anchor tenants is supposed to be Habitat, the store having temporarily relocated from Briggate to Birstall.

I'd like to see some competition for Morrissons so Leeds has a proper city centre supermarket, that would take up a massive shop floor....

I was in there recently to buy some Extra chewing gum. Mon dieu! It's the last place god made. Just because many of the shoppers are working-class doesn;t mean the facilities have to be filthy, ramshackle, and downright appalling. What must Leeds students think of the city when they have to shop in that hole?

Agree about Morrisons it really is a dive. I wonder why Waitrose, Asda, Sainsbury or Tesco have not bought the old West Riding House Safeway as that was just as popular a store as Morrisons in the Merrion and Leeds is quite poorly served by supermarkets as opposed to Manchester or Birmingham where they seem to be a Sainsburys Local or Tesco Express on every street corner. Mind you sadly the Merrion Centre Morrisons will probably be in a poor condition for a while as they lost £300million last year. Also found this amusing article from Dooyoo.co.uk: http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/offline-shopping-misc/morrisons/282652/

There have been so many false dawns it's hard to tell, i see no reason why not. Who's brave enough to ask the shopworkers in Next Clearance when they'll be moving out?
Why the sneering tone Di Liv?

I've shopped happily in there and in Mozzies up at the Merrion Centre. I'm not sure what people are complaining about. I find the diverse life in the MC Moz to be quite refreshing. There are many people who could not afford to shop in M&S or Waitrose.

I think a lot of people on this forum need to get out a bit more. See a bit of life before deciding that everything in Leeds needs to be like the VQ.

Oh, the reason Safeways closed was due to the lease expiring. The owners intend (or did intend) to change it's use to other retail, hence no other supermarket operator coming forward.

I live in the city and I find the "supermarket" provision to be perfectly adequate. Moz if I'm up that end. M&S on Briggate or at the station if after 6pm. Or our local shop, Simpsons. Or even the 24h garage for emergencies!

Why the sneering tone Di Liv?

I'm not the sneering type, honest.

Who's brave enough to ask the shopworkers in Next Clearance when they'll be moving out?

My question was more to do with personal diffidence than providing an assessment of the quality/ class status of the place. I happen to own a couple of items from there and I hope it relocates within the city centre once TQ is up and running.

My point about Morrisons was a valid one I think.
I don't see why a flagship store like the Merrion Morrisons has to have a run-down, neglected feel to it, simply because it isn't aiming for the high-end Waitrose or M&S market. I remember passing through when I were nowt but a toddler, and the place hasn't changed much since then. By contrast, the Wetherby store is clean, spacious and modern. Some investment from Ken would be welcome.

http://www.joycejo.net/Van/VanUK/Morrisons.JPG


For the record, I shop at Tesco, there's very little in VQ I can afford, and yes, I should get out more.

My point about Morrisons was a valid one I think.
I don't see why a flagship store like the Merrion Morrisons has to have a run-down, neglected feel to it, simply because it isn't aiming for the high-end Waitrose or M&S market. I remember passing through when I were nowt but a toddler, and the place hasn't changed much since then. By contrast, the Wetherby store is clean, spacious and modern. Some investment from Ken would be welcome.



I quite agree. Compared with the Wetherby store it's a flea pit. In the Merrion Centre there may be constraints as to rebuilding, but surely some refurbishment is long overdue.

the delays with Trinity Quarter are getting farcical. Even the architect has expired, probably frustrated with the endless bickering between Tops Estates and USS. I seriously think we may see more meaningful action (in terms of a planning application and issuance of Compulsory Purchase Orders) with Harewood/Eastgate.

I hope when they do build Trinity Quarter they don't do the Briggate facade all terracotta tiles as this render appers to show below as it would look massively out of date if built in this style.

http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/Trinity%20Quarter%201.jpg

That looks so tacky!!! Please can we have somethign better.

I hope when they do build Trinity Quarter they don't do the Briggate facade all terracotta tiles as this render appers to show below as it would look massively out of date if built in this style.

A more recent rendering was in the YEP last year, and it looked slightly different with a wider facade, perhaps replacing TopShop/Man. There were surface details similar those of the Scottish Parliament building below. I only hope TQ doesn't make part of the city centre look like it's been Tango'ed.


http://images.scotsman.com/2005/03/01/scottishparliamenti.jpg

I have to say that whatever cladding they use will be better than the scummy shithole we have at the moment. This area is a disgrace and how it has been left to rot is just incredible. They would have been better closing the briggate entrance and preventing people from getting anywhere near it. The sooner this happens the better.

I am all for developments of the highest standards, but there are certain areas of Leeds that I would happily see built in recycled garden waste to replace what is there.

Just thought I'd yoink this back up top to see if anyone has heard anything as it all seems to have gone worryingly quiet... This was in my 'hope this Leeds project starts soon Top 10' aswell dammit

Just thought I'd yoink this back up top to see if anyone has heard anything as it all seems to have gone worryingly quiet... This was in my 'hope this Leeds project starts soon Top 10' aswell dammit

By a strange coincidence, I spotted the latest City Centre Audit yesterday. It contained this:

"One of two proposed major retail developments in the city centre at present is the Trinity Quarter. Plans for the 400,000 sq ft development, bounded by Briggate, Boar Lane, Albion Street and Commercial Street, have been subject to delays that have prevented the addition of much needed quality retail floorspace. Work on the development has reached a significant milestone and is awaiting the result of a public inquiry, which took place in January 2006, into the use of compulsory purchase powers to consolidate land ownership."

Presumably, once TOPS Estates had made their complaint about the planning process and the council's use of CPO, there was no way to stop the legal process of the public enquiry even though TOPS had come to an agreement with USS and Land Lease.

I agree with that it has been ridiculous that Trinity Quarter which I remember was announced SIX! years ago (or maybe it was even longer) has not yet commenced. Also wouldn't there be a point where rents would rise so high with the limited retail space as to make Leeds City Centre uncompetitive to rival shopping centres elsewhere in the local area and in other major cities where rents would be so high that a retailer would choose to locate somewhere else. This is why Trinity and of course Eastgate is desperately needed to develop the retail offer in Leeds further from whats available at present and it is unbelievable how this was delayed for so long because of silly schoolboy argueing between property developers. Shame really as this centre could have been open for as early as 2004! :bash:

it really is a complete farce. if the developers had worked together they could have been close to opening by now. I reckon Harewood/Eastgate, barring a falling out between TCS and Hammersons, could steal a march on Trinity Quarter and actually deliver the class A retail space the city requires earlier.

the old Burton Arcade is a complete disgrace to be fair, but I don't think Leeds's retail future hangs on this by any stretch of the imagination.

the old Burton Arcade is a complete disgrace to be fair, but I don't think Leeds's retail future hangs on this by any stretch of the imagination.

Its neighbour across the road, Market Street Arcade, is far far worse. Part of the problem with Burton Arcade is that it is has been half empty for some time awaiting the long protracted Trinity develoipment getting under way. At least it has undergone one refurbishment in its lifetime - unlike Market Street Arcade which is a disgrace to Leeds and its claim to being an attractive shopping centre.

Just strolling through here today - there was a sign on the Peter Jones shop saying 'Closing Down Sale - Due to Redevelopment'

I don't know whether this means anything is imminent however - they're probably getting out while the going is good.

The leedsliveitloveit site said this was due to start this year. Now, I doubt that tbh however it does indicate that it is due to start as soon as it can. That cheap not quite a pound shop opposite the other pound shop has closed too. So hopefully it will be able to get going soon.

Just strolling through here today - there was a sign on the Peter Jones shop saying 'Closing Down Sale - Due to Redevelopment'

I don't know whether this means anything is imminent however - they're probably getting out while the going is good.


That is really good ews and must mean Trinity Quarter is about to start soon.

Could do with asking some of the staff in the shops there if they know when things are going to start happening.

Anyone going into town this weekend?

The leedsliveitloveit site said this was due to start this year.

I was rather disgruntled to find a brochure for England'sNorthWest in my guardian this morning. What's happened to the LiveItloveit campaign? Or indeed, what's happened to Yorkshire? There are no Yorkshire tourist brochures in the VisitEngland office in London.

I have no idea =/ Ive only seen brochures available in Yorkshire; Gateway Yorkshire particularly. Email them.

Also, on a slightly related point; on myspace, Leeds and Harrogate are in the North West!? Since when! Yorkshire/Humber doesn't exist, so I tried North East; not there. So maybe midlands? Nope. Turns out to be North West in the end. Americans.

That is really good ews and must mean Trinity Quarter is about to start soon.

Could do with asking some of the staff in the shops there if they know when things are going to start happening.

Anyone going into town this weekend?

if my experience counts for anything, asking shop assistants or car park attendants about the future of their current employment is always a rather futile task. If that Burger King in the Burton Arcade shuts then we know something must be due, I guess a profitable junk food emporium would hang on to the site by its fingertips to the last moment. Didn't Habitat shut and upsticks to Birstall nearly a year ago?

Saw an article about the Trinity Quarter in this weeks Building magazine, apparently work is due to start on the £150m project imminently. Sadly, as I read on I realised it was the Wakefield waterside 'Trinity Quarter'. Thwarted at every turn!

Yes it did.

Unless someone thought Wakefield was Leeds.. and that Boar Lane was a river =/

There aren't actually that many Burger Kings in Leeds are there? I hope it does close soon- the sooner everyone is out the better! In a way I wish they had more sites so they're not relying on the few existing ones to bring in the money.

...........Thought it was time to find out whats going on with this development from the people who should know, the managers of the shops.

Went to Trinity Arcade and saw most shops have already closed. A number had signs saying closing down for re-development which all looked positive.

Went into the book shop and asked the Manager what was going on with all the shops closing down. She said that it was due to knocking the whole area down for re-development.

"Think its February when we are due to be out of this shop, but they have been saying different dates for ages"

So you pays ye money and takes ye choice. On the balance of things I would say Feb would be the date as it would be straight after the Christmas trading period.Lets hope so, the whole area looks a disgrace.

Whilst good to hopefully see the Trinity and Burton arcades bite the dust next Feb is there any plan to sort out those disgracefully ugly bridges which link Trinity Arcade with Leeds Shopping Plaza and also if there is any plan to sort out the bottom end of Leeds Shopping Plaza where BHS and the rather dodgy and awful Birdcage nightclub is as first impressions for people entering in this direction from the station must be poor and it rather ruins this part of Boar Lane which other than that is full of grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings.

http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/43/10243.jpg

On a similar note has the escalator which links Trinity Arcade with the Leeds Shopping Plaza (where Wilkinsons is) ever collapsed or was it an urban myth I heard somewhere. Also during redevelopment which shops with street frontages onto Briggate will be closing. Is it I presume Burger King, Dorothy Perkins and the former Habitat or is Topshop / Topman going as well (which isn't actually too bad a building)? Also concerned that they have never announced any lead tenants for this scheme yet which could take places in this development (other than presumably Habitat). Surely if this scheme were to take off it would need an anchor tenant to encourage customers to this site especially with Eastgate due to open in 2011.

I don't imagine Topshop will be closing during redevelopment.

The covered bus stand under the Bond Street centre is godawful and an appalling first impression for visitors to Leeds. Imagine if you're coming to Leeds for a weekend break or a shopping trip, it confirms a hell of a lot of prejudices. Perhaps this is where Doug Saunders wandered into on his last trip. Personally, i think the Bond Street centre should be demolished and the Trinity Quarter Scheme extended by another arcade all the way down to City Square.But alas, it was only refurbished around 9 years ago.

http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/Trinity%20Quarter%202.jpg

Speaking of Doug, West Yorkshire really seems to be keeping this 'douchebag' in a job.

You better watch out. Here come the TJ brothers
By DOUG SAUNDERS


Saturday, October 14, 2006, Page F3

LONDON -- In Dewsbury, a picturesque former mill town in the heart of Yorkshire, squadrons of bearded men in white tunics patrol the streets, leaving young men either fleeing in fear or watching in admiration.

The whole Bond street centre / Leeds shopping plaze (inc plaza hotel tower reclad) is horrific and the sooner it is taken down the better (not that it will). but from an arcitectural standpoint it is brutalism at it's worst.

And looking at the above old picture, i cant decide if the reclad of the plaze hotel tower is an improvement, a reduction in the glazing and a shed load of cheap cladding!!

oooo you remembered my previous rant, im touched!! i'm turning into Fred. Where has he gone? i dont remember seeing him on here for awhile.

I couldn't agree more on Park Plaza Hotel. Cheap cladding which I suppose has one compensation - it's almost invisible on a grey/normal day. Wasted oppurtunity. Anyway, wrong thread...

I think any news on this development has to be taken with a quarry load of salt, I think it's a toss up between this starting and hell freezing over........

EDIT: Actually, found a snippet of news, in the latest USS financial report, it states that "With regard to Trinity Quarter, Leeds, the public enquiry relating to the compulsory purchase oder concluded in April, with the inspectors decision expected Autumn 2006."

Dont know if this has been posted before, I know someone mentioned Feb, maybe they have finally got the go ahead?

Thought this had bitten the dust, but...
http://www.leedstoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=39&ArticleID=1868753

Thank goodness for that, ties in with what the USS report said as well, so it's obviously still in the pipeline somewhere.
Dont know whether these were posted before or not, I know I havent seen them, but there are some conceptual drawings and model photos on EMBT's site for Trinity quarter. Quite Interesting to see the thinking.

Sorry dont know how to post flash pictures, but this is the link.

http://www.mirallestagliabue.com/

go to projects, england. leeds.

Thought this had bitten the dust, but...
http://www.leedstoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=39&ArticleID=1868753

http://www.leedstoday.net/getedimage.aspx?ImageID=605717

Cool, it seems a whole lifetime has passed since Enric Miralles left his imprint on this scheme, way back in 1999.

Good stuff but why has it taken two years to CPO the buildings. Another question is will anything be done about those awful covered bridges on Albion Street to tie in with this development and does this mean that construction will start next early year?

Good stuff but why has it taken two years to CPO the buildings. Another question is will anything be done about those awful covered bridges on Albion Street to tie in with this development and does this mean that construction will start next early year?

even with CPOs it could take a bit of while to remove the rest of the tenants. The site is looking really tired and old, pretty much to decay as tenants have moved out. The walk from Boar Lane between the LUFC shop and the old Bond Street centre is hideous - awful hulking blocks on either side.

The design does look superb - I think USS (University Superannuation Scheme) is a pension scheme for the public sector (teachers....?) seem to remember a similar name on my Mum's pension statements. If so, well, they are clearly long term strategic investors and probably not in a huge rush to get this built. Think this might be similar situation to Wellington Place which is partially being funded by Hermes (BT Group Pension Fund managers).

http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/LEED/911200617e4-0911-05-0911_081125.jpg
Is it me or is this a 'new' pic? If so where did the YEP get it from and are there others to go with it?...

One of the best news this year IMO. As stores are closing down, the place looks like a derelict site. New image - a pity it's overshrunk - looks more promissing than the ones we had before.

http://www.driversjonas.com/uk.aspx?doc=3271

http://www.driversjonas.com/img.aspx?CID=970082&LangID=1

Property Week (http://www.property-week.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=3076774&sectioncode=297) mentions 2009 as a new completion date. Achievable, if they start early next year.

USS Trinity Quarter purchase order confirmed

Universities Superannuation Scheme has received confirmation of the compulsory purchase order by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) for Trinity Quarter in Leeds
07.11.2006
By Daniel Thomas

This gives USS the Green light for its plans for the 300,000 sq ft (27,870sq m) covered shopping centre in the heart of Leeds city centre.

Jones Lang LaSalle has now been appointed to secure a joint venture development partner for the shopping centre development, which will create three levels of shopping, linking directly to Leeds’ prime retail pitch, with 45,000 sq ft (4,180 sq m) of offices above. The scheme is set to open in 2009.

It will take around 32 months to build so it could be close to starting (at last).

It will be pretty cool being able to shop under cover from City Square to Briggate...
Just need a roof on Briggate now and then you could shop under cover from City Sq to Vicar Lane!

an article in Estates Gazette basically echoed the Property Week article, but said it spelt the end of a potential 'super' shopping centre which could be up to 1m sq ft. This was mooted as a plan by Land Securities (who bought the neighbouring Leeds Shopping Plaza from Tops Estates), and who were planning to try and combine the schemes.

The granting of CPOs to USS gives them the green light to crack on unhindered, and develop a much more spectacular scheme themselves without Land Securities getting in on the act. The only issue is that the bottom of Albion Street will literally be the dividing line between two competing developers, so don't expect it to be massively improved anytime soon.

From the renders we've seen, I think the Trinity Quarter could be a great addition to the City's shopping experience. St Johns, the Headrow Centre and the Merrion Centre are not grade A shopping experiences - the Victoria Quarter and the Light are really the only the quality experiences to be had IMO (as shopping centres, not counting the Market or Corn Exchange which are quality in their own ways).

It will be pretty cool being able to shop under cover from City Square to Briggate...
Just need a roof on Briggate now and then you could shop under cover from City Sq to Vicar Lane!

argggh! have you ever been to Newcastle and the Eldon Square shopping centre? You can walk from Haymarket to Northumberland Street and Gray Street undercover. Its awful - can't think of anything worse, literally cutting off bits of the City. Open Edwardian streets, mixed with a couple of glass roofed arcades connecting individual shopping centres must be the right answer.

OK I'll retract "It will be pretty cool being able to shop under cover from City Square to Briggate..." and replace it with "It will be pretty cool on a rainy day being able to shop under cover from City Square to Briggate..."

OK I'll retract "It will be pretty cool being able to shop under cover from City Square to Briggate..." and replace it with "It will be pretty cool on a rainy day being able to shop under cover from City Square to Briggate..."

fair point sport! I thought you were alluding to covering the streets around Lands Lane etc etc. Not sure where that came from, its been a long day.

Fair enough - One of the major disadvantages city centres have against out of town centres are weather and parking. Leeds will have a real advantage over other cities and out of town centres if it's a little more weatherproof! Enter Leeds Shopping Plaza from City Sq, over the bridge to Trinity Quarter and out onto Briggate. Then if Briggate had a roof up to the other arcades and finish on Vicar Lane by coming out of VQ!!
One of my favourite 'proposals' was the roof for Briggate, would have to be very impressive - better than VQ glazed roof even... But I know a lot of people don't like the idea anyway and it's unlikely...

In all fairness Leeds isn't bad on a rainy day; unlike many cities you can do much of the centre undercover; there are no long outdoor crosses really- City Square and Dortmund Square the main ones really. You can spend enough time in the Trinity Qtr/Shopping Plaza then make a dash for The Headrow Centre, which isnt far from The Light (you can go under the JJB shelter). And St Johns/Merrion. Its really not that bad! Lots of covered spaces. And it rarely rains that heavy.

Malls aren't great - you have to specifically go to the shop rather than pass it like you would on a street. That's why I think St Johns and Merrion work better than Headrow - people flow through them as they are a route like a street. Headrow you tend to go in specifically - the top floors are dead sometimes. I think Trinity will be a success as it will be similar to a street...

I agree. St John's is always busy. Headrow should be demolished and converted to either office blocks or have some innovative design to make it into a succesful shopping centre; ie encourage pedestrian flows through it. Saying all that, they should just demolish it (not because its a bad building; bit dated fair enough, but not ugly or in need of repair)- but it would be more profitable as something else. A large department store unit would be good here; it would make an excellent site for a large Selfridges or John Lewis.

Doesn't help that if you do want to 'flow' through it you have to nip through HMV and up/down the escalator - always feel suspicious going through having not even browsed/purchased...

Doesn't help that if you do want to 'flow' through it you have to nip through HMV and up/down the escalator - always feel suspicious going through having not even browsed/purchased...

You can get from Vicar Lane to Albion Street undercover (and in a straight line) by going through VQ, the Queens Arcade, the Headrow Centre, and what is affectionately known as 'tramp alley'.

The original Trinity Street extended from the back of M&S to Boar Lane.


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/18/2002319_63206118.jpg


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/06/2002319_66613406.jpg


I wonder whether the money from TQ is funding some of the restoration of the church which is going on at the moment??


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/27/2003109_76284427.jpg

Chances of Habitat coming back? Perhaps they would enjoy a prestigious location like the new Trinity Quarter?

No you can't... you have to cross Vicar Lane, Briggate and Lands Lane!

As for Habitat- Id say very very likely they will return to Leeds City Centre. Im sure they only moved out because of this redevelopment- they will either move back in here, at Broadgate or Harewood Qtr.

No you can't... you have to cross Vicar Lane, Briggate and Lands Lane!

While holding an umbrella, of course.

As has been mentioned, many shops that are still open have red banners on the front saying closing due to redevelopment e.g Peter Jones, the bookshop etc, intrigingly, the bookshop says "6 weeks left" underneath the sign saying closing down, but I dont know whether this refers to the actual closing or to Christmas??!!

Are there any chance of C&A coming back with the construction of Trinity Quarter? ;)

Anyway on a more serious note does anyone anywhere have any decent high detailed plans with regards to squarefootage and number of units at this development and how the street pattern will change from whats there at present and could someone do a diagram to see what this would look like.

Also with with the area which is technically a part of Leeds Shopping Plaza (where Wilkinsons and that escalator is) will any work be done there which at present is really ugly.

http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/18/2002319_63206118.jpg


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/06/2002319_66613406.jpg

I wonder if those who live in Leeds a bit more than I do know the answer WHY such a nice character street, on par with similar streets in York which had the luck to survive, was replaced with the latter monstrousity? Was it a Nazi blitz or national disaster? Seriously I can vomit if I look at this CA/Habitat photo any longer.


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/27/2003109_76284427.jpg

I wonder if those who live in Leeds a bit more than I do know the answer WHY such a nice character street, on par with similar streets in York which had the luck to survive, was replaced with the latter monstrousity? Was it a Nazi blitz or national disaster? Seriously I can vomit if I look at at this CA/Habitat photo any longer.

It seems like an eternity ago but I went to the USS exhibition showcasing these proposals and I am positive that part of what was planned included the rehabilitation of Trinity Street. I also think that the new build was planned in an arc around the back of Holy Trinity Church. On the model, it looked like an update of the Georgian crescent and framed the church beautifully.

It wasn't due to anything at all to do with WW2 but Trinity Arcade came as part of comprehensive redevelopment of the bottom end of the shopping core in the 1960s/1970s which also included Market Street Arcade and the Bond St Centre :puke:. I agree it is dreadful to replace what was there before which could potentially have been quite a decent touristy area on the same vein as The Shambles in York had it been retained and it makes you wonder what drugs planners and architects of the period were on.

No you can't... you have to cross Vicar Lane, Briggate and Lands Lane!

As for Habitat- Id say very very likely they will return to Leeds City Centre. Im sure they only moved out because of this redevelopment- they will either move back in here, at Broadgate or Harewood Qtr.

must admit it rather surprised me when Habitat, trusted friend of the young urbanite upped sticks out of the City Centre and moved to the distinctly surburban (and motorway junction-like) Birstall. Pretty much at the moment that thousands of apartments were completing and coming on line, Habitat left the City Centre! A most bizarre marketing ploy, only thing I can think of is that their lease ran out, and they figured that they could steal some of Ikea's footfall by moving out to Birstall.

Actually, sod Habitat, and get the slightly more funky Conran shop into Leeds instead. My local one on Marylebone High Street is often a Saturday afternoon treat away from the hoards in the West End.

As has been mentioned, many shops that are still open have red banners on the front saying closing due to redevelopment e.g Peter Jones, the bookshop etc, intrigingly, the bookshop says "6 weeks left" underneath the sign saying closing down, but I dont know whether this refers to the actual closing or to Christmas??!!

right - sounds like a mission! Who's going to be first in to ask if they are shutting or simply counting down to Winterval?

If CPOs have been granted, they might have fairly short timescales attached (8-12 weeks perhaps), no idea of a typical CPO, thankfully haven't been in receipt of one myself.

Trinity Church has to be the focal point of the new scheme - great opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and integrate it instead of blocking it off behind 1960s brick turds.

C&A won't come back; they don't operate in the UK anymore. Haven't done for ages.

Anyway on a more serious note does anyone anywhere have any decent high detailed plans with regards to squarefootage and number of units at this development and how the street pattern will change from whats there at present and could someone do a diagram to see what this would look like.


Initially Habitat were on board as the flagship retailer. The scheme which will provide 35,000 sq m of new retail space.

Was the 60s/70s Trinity Quarter part of a wider brutal scheme which would have swept away much of the excellent Ambler buildings on Boar Lane too. In which case we should be thankful that any of that end of town survived at all.

I agree it is amazing to think what was been swept away over the years - hopefully this new scheme will make the most of the Holy Trinity Church which is a fantastic Basilica style church in the Wren style (well the later addition of R D Chantrell's receding tower at any rate).

Lets hope that it isn't some chintzy, faux golden horror like the Headrow - though I guess the extra through footfall should mean its fairly bustling, and not a silent dour place haunted by that wretched piped music so beloved by naff shopping malls.

Like the Headrow Centre that is -

I suppose they can claim M&S too - even though they won't be tennants as such, but they will have an entrance to the centre...

[QUOTE=harryd;10489332]Was the 60s/70s Trinity Quarter part of a wider brutal scheme which would have swept away much of the excellent Ambler buildings on Boar Lane too. In which case we should be thankful that any of that end of town survived at all.

Yes it was. A large glass fronted shopping mall was o be called "The Leeds Centre". Swept accross Boar Lane with two large shopping bridges either side of the chapel and covering all of what is the Trinity Quarter as well as all the buildings on the south side of Boar Lane with the exception of Dysons building. The Civic Trust objected to the loss of the old buildings on Boar Lane and the scheme died. I remember this from my walks around the planning office which was in the Merrion Centre in the late '70s.

So is the picture below which I guessed what will the layout of Trinity Quarter be like when it is constucted:

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/1260/trinityquarterxf8.jpg

Red is interior malls, Blue are possible new retail buildings and also highlighted some stores that are essentially part of Trinity Quarter by default which will presumably be retained with the construction of this scheme. If I am wrong with anything on this picture as to what the layout would be could you please adjust the map to what Trinity Quarter should look like. Looking at the map I guess any flagship store for this scheme could use the area at the bottom of this scheme where C&A was and Next Clearance currently resides. Finally how come is the part of Trinity Arcade where Wilkinsons and that escalator is is in fact part of the Leeds Shopping Plaza. How come is that the case?

PS: L No 1. I wasnt serious about that C&A remark by the way. I know they left the UK years ago. However they are still a big retail player in Europe perhaps they could reenter the UK market in the future if they improve their finances especially with the cheap clothes trend in the UK exploited in recent years by the likes of Primark which C&A used to be a prominent player in that field?

Was looking at a Victorian Society magazine from 1985 last week (god i must have been bored)detailing the 'failed' bid to stop the demolition of the Markets and the construction of the 'Kirkgate centre'. It seems to have been planned as a bland St Johns-type box (no pics though) with people objecting to its height (amingst other things)
A close run thing because Bradford's beautiful Kirkgate market was destroyed in the 1970s.


http://www.bradlibs.com/localstudies/vtc/lostbradford/webimages/LB003r.jpg


I think Jimbo mentioned the butt-ugly section of Albion Street from Boar Lane to Commercial Street in a recent post. I was interested to see whether TQ would make any difference to this part of town when i saw the model a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, it didn't make it clear exactly what would happen to it, or even if Wilkos/ George or the LUFC shop would be part of the scheme.

At one time, with the co-op still standing, this was one of the most beautfil streetscapes in Leeds. Walking under the shopping Plaza today, with the Birdcage, a seedy amusement arcade and a collection of rancid-looking shops, and then turning into the street that time (and the council) forgot is perhaps the worst impression anyone could get to any city in the world. Major surgery is needed here, and fast.

http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/Trinity%20Quarter%203.jpg

Leeds Shopping Plaza and Trinity to 'join forces to make 1st city centre regional shopping centre' http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=56&ArticleID=1880519

Leeds Shopping Plaza and Trinity to 'join forces to make 1st city centre regional shopping centre' http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=56&ArticleID=1880519

Top find, LL.
I had hoped this would mean the Plaza would bite the dust, but it probably just means they will be next to one another and better connected.

Interesting that this is regarded by CABE (or was it RIBA?) as one of the key projects in Yorkshire at the moment.

Very interesting news regarding the merger of Trinity Quarter and Leeds Shopping Plaza. Wonder if this would mean a new name for the combined centres and hope it would result in desperately needed improvements to the Boar Lane and Albion St ends of Leeds Shopping Plaza which Land Sec could perhaps do to release prime new retail space and is also the worst part aesthetically). No doubt a consequence of the impending Eastgate Quarter I guess is the reason for this with increased retail competition in the city centre (and have LSP / Trinity as a counterbalance by merging together). I wonder if it will also mean a merger of the St Johns and Merrion Centres into one named entity (although remaining physically seperate)?

Dreadful news!
What promised to be a wonderful new arcade spilling onto brigate has suddenly turned into yet another shopping mall(think arndale centre in manchester)
how ironic that after waiting at least six years,the week ruth Kelly announces the go ahead we're suddenly presented with a completely different proposition.
I hope someone can reassure me the civic trust would not allow such a monstrosity,but i fear the worst.
:ohno:

Is there a faint possiblity that the centre was re-designed in the intervening period between the takeover at USS and the granting of the CPOs?
Of course, no one wants to see an insular supermall landed in the middle of Leeds, but this could present the best opportunity for a long time to redevelop what is surely the most embarrassing streetscape in Leeds.

And just how will they get this extra floorspace adjacent to the site?? Any ideas??

In addition, a further 200,000 sq ft will be added through redevelopment of adjacent floorspace to create a 1 million sq ft shopping centre which is close to rail and bus services.

I managed to unearth a pic of the model thanks to a post from SleepyOne last year.

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/web/r/b/f/Leeds-EMBT-TQ1.jpg

Well if this news is correct the I expect major design work will need to be undertaken and the planning permission etc will be void, so that'll set it back by another 2 years or so. Plus, they're only just talking about it at the moment............... Bearing in mind it was meant to start 7 years ago whats 2 years heh?
It could potentially be good if it means there is better continuity and all the units are filled. However, with this and Eastgate on the cards thats 2,000,000 sq ft of retail space coming to the city, can we sustain it?
Hopefully Eastgate will aim at the top end of the market leaving Plaza/Trinity to concentrate on it's middle/upper middle tenants.

Well if this news is correct the I expect major design work will need to be undertaken and the planning permission etc will be void, so that'll set it back by another 2 years or so. Plus, they're only just talking about it at the moment............... Bearing in mind it was meant to start 7 years ago whats 2 years heh?
It could potentially be good if it means there is better continuity and all the units are filled. However, with this and Eastgate on the cards thats 2,000,000 sq ft of retail space coming to the city, can we sustain it?
Hopefully Eastgate will aim at the top end of the market leaving Plaza/Trinity to concentrate on it's middle/upper middle tenants.

would be completely pointless to start all over again - I'd expect that they will complete the scheme in phases, hopefully with the Trinity Quarter starting and finishing first, and then spreading west as the new element (joint bit with Land Secs) links across Albion Street.

the cost and time taken to resubmit a new planning app for the entire site running from Briggate across Albion Street as far as the station (BHS etc) would be absolutely massive. I assume (and that's all this is) that they will look to integrate Trinity Quarter into plans across Albion Street linking with Leeds Shopping Plaza. (I still prefer calling it the Bond Street Centre - showing my age).

I sometimes still call it the Bond Street Centre sometimes and Im hardly old! However I dont ever call The Headrow Centre the Schofields Centre. That was a bit before me :)

Schofields had one of the best toy departments ever! Not like you get now...

Schofields had one of the best toy departments ever! Not like you get now...

pardon my reverie, but it also had a fantastic cheese counter in the basement staffed by a lovely little old lady who used to dispense sample blocks of cheese to me and my brother when my Mum took us in there. Seem to remember a big chicken roasting thing on the far right handside. Its all coming back, memories that is, not last night, though still feel a tad rough.

Also used to get dragged through the fish market every Saturday morning for years - hated it in there.

Schofields had one of the best toy departments ever! Not like you get now...

In those mythical days before i went to school (in the days when my mum was god) we used to sit under the clock in Schofield's cafe to have our lunch. My mum always asked the waitress for “Half and Half” (coffee and milk) and I would have a processed beef sandwich lifted from a plastic case. Never such innocence again.


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/00/20061114_162300.jpg


Anyway, back to mundane reality. Given that this scheme is seven years old, i would say the chances of it being clad in terracotta tiles are pretty high.

http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/Trinity%20Quarter%201.jpg

Its rare to find really fantastic department stores these days; such a shame; departments stores that have full food departments with everything you could imagine, and toys as you say etc. Theyre all the same these days.

Shame the council cant tempt a few of the US department stores to expand this way, their stores like Macy's, Bloomingdales etc are real department stores. (Not that I could afford to shop in them, but it would be good for the city!) :lol:

leeds needs a selfridges in eastgate or trinity and what about a fenwicks.

Selfridges defo. Ive never been that impressed by Fenwick, however if it were to open in the city I would support it. Leeds should try to attract some London department stores up here like it did with Harvey Nichols. Leeds has always been at the forefront of shopping (with the markets and arcades to start with, before getting the many shopping centres and things like M&S, Burton etc, and Harvey Nichols); it must retain this.

From today's Estates Gazette (plus render of the new back entrance to M&S)


USS to go it alone in Leeds Retail

Plans to create a 1m sq ft linked mall in Leeds looked increasingly unlikely this week after the government approved a CPO enabling the development of USS's 300,000 sq ft Trinity Quarter retail scheme. USS had been in talks with Land Securities, which owns the adjacent 315,000 sq ft Leeds Shopping Plaza, about a joint development, but has now appoitned Jones lang LaSalle to find a development partner for its shopping centre. The scheme had been delayed for more than five years beacuse of objections from the previous owner of the Plaza, Tops Estate.

Good find!! - anyone scan the render?... Strange how the contradicting article appeared in the YP AFTER the CPO had been granted though...

Surely the two shopping centres can develop seperately and then join later?

As much as i hate the hulking brick brute of the Bond St Centre/Leeds Shopping Plaza i wouldnt wanna see this put on the back burner for another few years.

propertyday.com

CPO boost for Leeds’ Trinity Quarter
Published: 09 November, 2006

The Department for Communities and Local Government has approved the Compulsory Purchase Order for USS’s Trinity Quarter development in Leeds.

This gives the fund the go-ahead to progress plans for the 300,000 sq ft covered shopping centre featuring restaurants and cafes in the heart of Leeds city centre.

Jones Lang LaSalle has now been appointed to secure a joint venture development partner for the shopping centre development, which will create three levels of shopping, linking directly to Leeds’ prime retail pitch, with 45,000sq ft of offices above.

The scheme is set to open in 2009.

JLL director Stuart la Frenais said the news meant USS would be in a position to steal a march on its rivals, Hammerson and Town Centre Securities, which propose a massive retail-led scheme for the city’s Harewood Quarter.

Anyone thought of resitering www.leedstrinityquarter.co.uk www.trinityquarter.co.uk or www.trinityquarterleeds.co.uk ? They don't seem to have done it yet - money to be made?? :)

http://www.leeds.gov.uk/moderngov/Data/Executive%20Board/20040906/Agenda/Exec%20Board%20Report%206th%20Sept.pdf

If you cycle through this report down to the last few pages, you can see the plans for each level of the trinity quarter, showing shop unit sizes and uses etc.

A couple of things,
1) there are plans for the USS scheme and the opposing TOPS scheme (no longer happening), so make sure you are looking at the right set.
2) The plans may have been amended as this report is a few years old, so obviously they may not be 100% accurate.

Excellent plans and those USS plans clearly are far superior to the TOPS plans and finally know how this scheme will appear which looks good as it improves the street flow immensley as well as having some badly needed retail space for Leeds. Just wonder is this definately starting early next year and wouldn't it be good for someone to take a picture of the awfulness at present before its all gone.

Just wonder is this definately starting early next year and wouldn't it be good for someone to take a picture of the awfulness at present before its all gone.

Good idea!

http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/52/2002610_29281252.jpg


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/72/2002610_81180972.jpg


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/68/2002313_85036868.jpg


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/65/2002313_29824465.jpg


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/27/2003109_76284427.jpg


One of the Trinity Street Arcade shops in its prime.

http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/84/200514_56983584.jpg

It doesn't look as bad as the reality in those pictures :S

Another of old Trinity Street

http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/88/6088.jpg

At the bottom left of the Burton building is what appears to be the old Burton Arcade. Never seen the interior of this one, maybe Fred2 remembers it. I always think it's a shame they demolished this building. That section of Briggate is too mediocre and low rise for my liking.

http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/99/200456_22851199.jpg

I agree; it is a shame, and yes I think it is too low rise. The flagship stores down this end need to put some effort into improve the area. Topshop is a major store; needs a facelift; House of Fraser, again a major store needs a facelift. Once you get past Free Spirit the quality seems to decrease I think.

At the bottom left of the Burton building is what appears to be the old Burton Arcade. Never seen the interior of this one, maybe Fred2 remembers it. I always think it's a shame they demolished this building.

Yes I do remember it. It was renovated about 15-20 years ago and, if not for the fact that there are now a number of empty shops in it,would not be too bad at all - especially when you look at Market Street Arcade on the other side of Briggate. That is an abomination.

especially when you look at Market Street Arcade on the other side of Briggate. That is an abomination.

Ahmedd posted news of a planning application for the redevelopment of market street arcade some time ago, but it seems to have sunk without trace.

Done right, I think that arcade (Market) could be a bit of a goldmine... Maybe themed like a new home for Chinatown or Independents only or crafts only or fairtrade only etc etc

Done right, I think that arcade (Market) could be a bit of a goldmine... Maybe themed like a new home for Chinatown or Independents only or crafts only or fairtrade only etc etc

Any sort of renovation would be welcome. I just cannot understand how it has been allowed to fester in such a prime position. Doesn't do much for the retailing reputation of Leeds. :ohno:

I've never quite understood why it can't be redeveloped in the same way as Harvey Nichols was. It would be a major catalyst; bring the area up a bit, be a good unit for a department store, good location etc.

If not; a craft/fairtrade centre would be good. It could be completely redeveloped to house the China Town shops and the Granary Wharf shops; specially designed for them, and fairtrade shops encouraged; Leeds is renowned for its strong fairtrade status- the largest Fairtrade city in the country :) If this were to happen though, I think some cafe or strong pioneer needs to go at the top; so people have a reason to go into there, and therefore passing trade is gained.

It must be down to long term leases again (like Kirkgate). Someone took some photos of the existing businesses in the ms arcade and posted them on Flickr. Surely they would be booted out of any potential redevelopment so it's unsurprising that they're holding on for grim death.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesw-bell/304452712/

Someone informed this morning that The Body Shop has signs up saying "Closing in the new year due to redevelopment." If stores like that are closing, there's only really Next Clearance left to leave. Most of the smaller shops are either closed or closing in the near future.

Hope we retain a city centre Next Clearance... But I guess rents will be hiked once site redeveloped - and no where else is big & cheap enough?...

Someone informed this morning that The Body Shop has signs up saying "Closing in the new year due to redevelopment." If stores like that are closing, there's only really Next Clearance left to leave. Most of the smaller shops are either closed or closing in the near future.

bingo, that can only be good news. A store like the Body Shop (which is clearly not a budget bargain bin and would probably carry on trading regardless) moving on suggests that we're moving in the right direction.

Imagine the clearance sale when Next clearance closes!

It doesnt matter so much about The Body Shop; it has its main store on Briggate/Albion Place.

And the Light?
Are there any other 'big' shops left there other than Next Clearance?

Yes and The Light (but Im sure the Briggate store gets more passing trade). Forgot there was one there.

Burger King is left in there; is Peter Jones? I dont go down there much.

imagine if the only Burger King in the city closes??!?

Theres one on the station.

*phew* !!

Not sure if this applies to the new BK in the station, but I seem to remember that in the old BK they hiked the prices like they do in service stations?... Remember getting stung...

Not sure if this applies to the new BK in the station, but I seem to remember that in the old BK they hiked the prices like they do in service stations?... Remember getting stung...

Yup they still charge a bit more than high street branches as I believe the railway station BK franchises are owned by the same company that runs Moto services areas. Can't understand why they charge more though especially as there is a McD's a two minutes walk away which can be over a pound cheaper. Also believe theres a BK at the bus station as well. M&S at the station also charges a lot more for food than the one on Briggate.

As for Trinity Quarter surely we would be expecting a few stores who have left for redevelopment to reopen when this finishes. Guess these include Burger King, Athena, Body Shop, Dorothy Perkins and of course Habitat. Wonder what other 45 stores needed to fill this scheme USS have signed up for other than the usual mobile shops and coffeeshops. Hope this includes KFC. ;)

Also couldn't Next Clearance move to the Next at Crown Point Retail Park perhaps? Whilst not in the centre which I prefer guess I could see this happening or maybe a long shot could see them moving to the old Odeon in the Merrion (although it would be a shame to see 1960s interiors lost if that were to occur).

Yeah theres one in the coach station. The one on the city station really isnt new; its been there ages :)

imagine if the only Burger King in the city closes??!?

We can but dream...

From Buildiing Design


http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/web/Builder_Group/Building_Design/28_May_2004/tagli42.jpg


http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/web/r/b/f/Leeds-EMBT-TQ1.jpg


Raising the roof
Friday, May 28, 2004

An elegant £150 million retail scheme in Leeds by Scottish Parliament architect EMBT and British practice Stanley Bragg Partnership has received strong backing from the city council.

That was nearly three years ago - and still no sign of a start !

That was nearly three years ago - and still no sign of a start !

I guess it was just a BUMP.
Cool roof don't you think?

Hardly a sign of an imminent start, but in the shop where they where they have the model of the new centre, I saw a group sat round a table going over what looked like the plans, as I walked past the other day.

the Body Shop was due to shut after Xmas (as the sign on the door said). This is creeping forward slowly, and we'll have to have a proper celebration when it finally kicks off.

di livio, the roof is superb. Sort of reminds me a little bit of the undulating Foster designed roof over the Great Court in the British Museum. The new frontage around Trinity Church does look a little pastiche like, rather similar to the frontage next to St Pauls at Paternoster Square.

From Buildiing Design


http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/web/Builder_Group/Building_Design/28_May_2004/tagli42.jpg


http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/web/r/b/f/Leeds-EMBT-TQ1.jpg

I love the fact that they are not going to surround the church and I hope they create a nice grass aria around it as well.
I also for once love that they are not going to build a tower on this site as it would block the church tower and I think that this church gives Leeds character.

Wasnt the idea of the glass roof and the angles they are at to show the church tower and give an impression of it looming over the centre.

It struck me when I was walking around the site today how amazing it is they haven't gotten into gear and done this yet. Despite it being at present being in a most wretched state, the footfall through the area is considerable. If the scheme is well executed then it should be a success no question.

I've not really seen the plans in detail, but surely all it needs are nice, clear and natural pedestrian links between Boar Lane-Commercial Street and Albion Street-Briggate, and then a pleasant space around the wonderful basilica-style Wren-imitation Trinity Church and you've got a cracking urban streetscape.

We should try make a list of retailers, companies and things like that, that want to come to the city and we should all decide where we would like to see them in Leeds e.g. say if Harrods wanted to move to Leeds (but under a different name) I would want to see it where alders used to be.
But obviously we should do it with places we know want to come to Leeds for fact.

If that were to happen I wouldnt be complaining! Most the retailers that are wanting to get a unit in Leeds will be able to do so in either this development, Broadgate, Clarence Dock or the Eastgate/Harewood Qtr. There is enough retail space upcoming I think- as long as it isnt dominated by clones of retailers with a presence in leeds anyway.

..

Well I have this which I posted last September from a pdf about the Eastgate quarter:

Noticed some interesting info on potential retailers looking at expansion in Leeds other than John Lewis on pg 60 of the Eastgate Retail PDF file (I guess these might not neccissarily open in Eastgate but could open at old Lewis's or Trinity Quarter instead) http://www.eastgateleeds.co.uk/downl...L%20SUBMIT.pdf. It includes:

* House of Fraser (100,000 - 200,000 sq ft) which they mentioned are interested in relocating (Guess they could be the possible second flagship after John Lewis replacing their outdated store on Briggate perhaps which is in dire need of redevelopment as well as the adjacent and vomitously ugly Market St Arcade )

* TJ Hughes (25,000 - 150,000 sq ft) (Don't know much about them as I never been in one are they like a modern day version of the old Co-op department store which used to be on Albion St till about a decade ago where Wilkinsons now is?)

* TK Maxx (50,000 sq ft) Second city centre store

* Adidas (8,000 - 10,000 sq ft)

* Top Shop (25,000 sq ft) Second city centre store (as listed in the pdf perhaps replacing the St Johns Centre branch?)

* Nike (3,500 sq ft) (Wonder why that is planned to be under half the size of a possible adidas store?)

Good to see some possible names for retailers interested in Leeds City Centre as well as secondary stores for Top Shop and TK Maxx cementing popularity of those retailers. A recouring theme within the PDF seemed to be the lack of large department stores in the city. However they seem to have given up on Selfridges opening up in Leeds as they don't seem to promote them as a possible new tenant especially as there was hype a few years ago that they could be expanding into Leeds which now appears to look very unlikely to happen. Also what about Fenwicks I would imagine they could possibly be interested in entering the Leeds market and maybe some other department store could perhaps open.

Finally I looked through the various pdfs and nothing (what I could find) mentions a railway station to serve this development (near to the bus station) which I believe could vastly improve access for Eastgate Quarter. Wonder why they could not think of that?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Also presumably I would expect with the construction of Trinity Quarter to see the return of Habitat to here as well as other stores which had to vacate the present centre for the current redevelopment such as Athena, Body Shop which have closed already and Dorothy Perkins and Burger King which presumably will soon be closing to allow for redevelopment. Also would guess there would be the typical mobile phone shops looking to open more stores and more sandwich and coffee places would open as well including chains without a presence in Leeds yet such as EAT! (which seem to be common in London) as well as the obligatory Greggs and Subway who would no doubt want to keep up their density of stores accross the city centre after these new developments commence as well as more Caffe Nero, Starbucks and Costa.

As for new stores without a presence in Leeds yet I believe there should be more food retailers opening in the city centre with I believe a Sainsburys planned for Lewis's and a supermarket planned next door to John Lewis in the Eastgate Quarter (which presumably would be Waitrose, John Lewis's supermarket sister brand). Also guess they could possibly have a supermarket as part of Trinity Quarter and to replace the old Safeway at West Riding House which is currently under rennovation although there is no indication as to what that will occupy yet.

Finally chains I guess would want a presence in Leeds would include more upmarket and midmarket stuff and also would believe there would be room perhaps for opening of further duplicates of popular stores which seem to be busy such as I guess H&M and Next who I guess could go along that route? Also would presume there would be more needs for Home and Electrical retailers to open in Leeds which can be quite lacking at present. Perhaps a city centre format Ikea would be a good idea?

All these important retailers missing from the Leeds scene makes a mockery of the claim of Leeds to be a comprehensive shopping centre. No wonder it has slipped down the ranks in importance.

I reckon another 5-8 years yet before this has a chance of being fully remedied - if at all ! :ohno:

It hasnt slipped down; its just that other cities have moved up. If House of Fraser relocates, the current House of Fraser and Market Street arcade together could be reconstructed as one or two large department store units for a major tenant, or a flagship store of a major brand.

It hasnt slipped down; its just that other cities have moved up.

Ha ha ! I really like that No. 1. :)

..

Well its true. There have been no major losses in Leeds. Sure, Allders was lost- but so was every other Allders in the country. C&A, Littlewoods and Music Zone the same. Lilywhites really is the only loss. Habitat have left because of redevelopment rather than not wanting to trade in the centre.

Leeds has been improving, but just in the shadow of other cities. Yes, Lilywhites went- but we also got Louis Vuitton, Agent Provacteur, Firetrap etc. George and PC World also chose Leeds as the place to open their first city centre stores.

It has only slipped down because Birmingham moved up with the completition of the Bullring.

Well its true. There have been no major losses in Leeds. Sure, Allders was lost- George and PC World also chose Leeds as the place to open their first city centre stores.



With respect it is not true. Just go back and read and fully absorb that statement of yours which makes me laugh. I certainly do not bear you any animosity No. 1. I have even been known to agree with you on occasion - but that statement is SO naive !

Allders was a great loss- look at the huge space left vacant by it (which hopefully will be soon trading as separate shops). Was it ever replaced by, say, Selfridges ? No. The present Debenhams and House of Fraser stores are pretty small as department stores go for the size of a city like Leeds. Did they fill the slack left by Allders? I wonder why not. True, John Lewis is five years on the horizon - if we are lucky.

Narvey Nick's was also the first venture outside London - so you can be sure that, all things being equal, there will other and probably bigger outlets of George and PC World in other city centres.

Of course Leeds will improve as a shopping centre in the years to come - but don't imagine the other cities will be standing still in the meantime !

Allders was a great loss- look at the huge space left vacant by it (which hopefully will be soon trading as separate shops). Was it ever replaced by, say, Selfridges ? No. The present Debenhams and House of Fraser stores are pretty small as department stores go for the size of a city like Leeds. Did they fill the slack left by Allders? I wonder why not. True, John Lewis is five years on the horizon - if we are lucky.

Allders was a great loss. But so what. It didnt push it down the leagues; it was a loss to every city. Did Debenhams and House of Fraser fill the slack left by Allders in any other city- no. No other city has major shopping plans; most have had theirs built or are being built. That gives Leeds an advantage as it knows what its competition is now so it can do better.

Harvey Nick's was also the first venture outside London - so you can be sure that, all things being equal, there will other and probably bigger outlets of George and PC World in other city centres

There aren't. I only know of one other George anyway thats in Croydon.

Allders was a great loss- look at the huge space left vacant by it (which hopefully will be soon trading as separate shops). Was it ever replaced by, say, Selfridges ? No. The present Debenhams and House of Fraser stores are pretty small as department stores go for the size of a city like Leeds. Did they fill the slack left by Allders? I wonder why not. True, John Lewis is five years on the horizon - if we are lucky.

Funny thing is I guess the Lewis's building on The Headrow could have been still trading as a department store today if the following happened:

Monday, 23 December, 2002, 17:01 GMT
Department store makeovers


Allders has agreed to a takeover

The two department store chains House of Fraser and Allders could be set to merge, according to reports.
Both companies have been approached separately regarding a takeover, but only Allders has so far agreed.

That has not dampened speculation that discussions are already underway between key retail entrepreneurs Terry Green and Tom Hunter over joining the two groups.

Allders recommended last week that shareholders accept an offer from the investment group Scarlett Retail, which would mean the company being headed by Terry Green.

Press reports now suggest Mr Green is in discussions with Mr Hunter, the Scottish businessman who has approached House of Fraser regarding a takeover.

Retail soap


House of Fraser rejected the bid

According to the Reuters news agency, Mr Hunter and Mr Green are considering joining forces in a deal which would give them a substantial chunk of the department store market.

In another twist to what reads increasingly like a retailing soap opera, Mr Hunter is building a stake in Allders and now owns 3.5% of the department store group.

Reuters said "preliminary chats" had taken place between the two entrepreneurs, both of whom have a strong reputation in the world of retailing.

The report suggested Mr Hunter had approached Mr Green about merging the two companies but that neither was available for comment.

Industry pressure

Competition among department store groups has prompted speculation that pooling efforts is the way forward for smaller players.

Mr Green, the former chief executive of BHS but no relation to the more flamboyant retail entrepreneur Philip Green, is bidding for Allders along with the property company Minerva and Lehman Brothers investment bank.

Allders said intense pressure on the High Street and on the stock market had led it to accept the offer.

House of Fraser, meanwhile, criticised Mr Hunter for making his approach earlier in December, during the crucial Christmas trading period.

However, there are now suggestions that Mr Hunter will return with a higher offer in the new year.



Shame it didn't occur but presume poor financial performance of Allders would have probably turned House of Fraser off purchasing Allders which in Leeds would presumably led to the closure of House of Fraser on Briggate and moving all operations onto the Allders building on The Headrow. Still agree Leeds does lack large department stores but I guess with John Lewis and my tip of House of Fraser to move to a larger store in Eastgate then we should have something of a reasonable size although it would be quite a wait im afraid.

Another thing Im wondering is why did they with Schofields on the Headrow close the 1960s store down and open a much smaller store on The Headrow which closed in 1996. If that were still open and part of House of Fraser it could have been equal to Rackhams in Birmingham and Kendals in Manchester both large stores in their localities (although granted it was not the most pretty department store and they all trade as House of Fraser anyway).

Lewis's / Allders:

http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/96/9596.jpg

Schofields:

http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/15/9615.jpg

That gives Leeds an advantage as it knows what its competition is now so it can do better.

Well that's the Pollyanna way of looking at it - all I can say is that I hope you are right !

500,000sq. ft opens this summer :) If we get the sort of retailers expected then it should help to push the retail experience up.

All these important retailers missing from the Leeds scene makes a mockery of the claim of Leeds to be a comprehensive shopping centre. No wonder it has slipped down the ranks in importance.

I reckon another 5-8 years yet before this has a chance of being fully remedied - if at all ! :ohno:


I'm going to have take issue with this and a number of other things that have been said in this thread.

Firstly, I'm not sure why this Selfridges nonsense continues to be brought up. They abandoned their UK expansion program so I wish people would just let that go.

Allders, Lillywhites, Music Zone all went out of business, I've got no idea how thats anything to do with Leeds.

The idea that Leeds isnt a comprehensive shopping centre is ridiculous, ask sheffield if they'd like to swap their shopping for ours, they'd bite your hand off.
Over the next few years 1.5 million square foot of brand new, state of the art shopping space will be coming into the city, how many other cities can say that?
With Harewood and Eastgate, the retail can also be tailor made to meet the needs of the occupants, the list of people wanting space in that is likely to be great.
Of course we can do more to attract more department stores etc, but needlessly rubbishing the city based solely on opinion helps nobody and achieves nothing.

Well I do hope that you and No. 1 are right - but it's a very competitive world out there and time is not necessarily on our side. About all those retailers waiting to come to Leeds; if there an economic downturn (and I am surely not being unduly pessimistic by saying that it COULD happen) that's the first economy they will effect, shelving plans for new stores.

I'm going to have take issue with this and a number of other things that have been said in this thread.

Firstly, I'm not sure why this Selfridges nonsense continues to be brought up. They abandoned their UK expansion program so I wish people would just let that go.

Allders, Lillywhites, Music Zone all went out of business, I've got no idea how thats anything to do with Leeds.

The idea that Leeds isnt a comprehensive shopping centre is ridiculous, ask sheffield if they'd like to swap their shopping for ours, they'd bite your hand off.
Over the next few years 1.5 million square foot of brand new, state of the art shopping space will be coming into the city, how many other cities can say that?
With Harewood and Eastgate, the retail can also be tailor made to meet the needs of the occupants, the list of people wanting space in that is likely to be great.
Of course we can do more to attract more department stores etc, but needlessly rubbishing the city based solely on opinion helps nobody and achieves nothing.

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:
:cheers1: :cheers1: :cheers1: :cheers1: :cheers1: :cheers1: :cheers1: :cheers1: :cheers1: :cheers1:

Subliving.

Well, again, Rob, I hope YOU are also right. My gripes are about the situation as it is now and as it likely to be (with admittedly some improvements) for the next five years or so before Trinity and Harewood/Eastgate come onstream. Do you think that Birmingham/Manchester/ Liverpool and even Sheffield will stand still during that time ? Regarding Sheffield, of course MeadowHall put the curse on its city centre, but to my mind it has since recovered very well and it does have a John Lewis !

Regarding Sheffield, of course MeadowHall put the curse on its city centre, but to my mind it has since recovered very well and it does have a John Lewis !

The Sheffield 'New Retail Quarter' (NRQ), which will include a brand new John Lewis, was supposed to start work in 2004 but it's only now that things are starting to happen. In all likelihood it will be completed around the same time as Trinity Quarter.

The Sheffield 'New Retail Quarter' (NRQ), which will include a brand new John Lewis, was supposed to start work in 2004 but it's only now that things are starting to happen. In all likelihood it will be completed around the same time as Trinity Quarter.

What - will it take that long ?

What - will it take that long ?

Yup, it's a complete re-structuring of the area surrounding Barker's Pool, complete with arcades and glass covered spaces.

Theres no doubt that it will improve Sheffield; however Sheffield has alot of catching up to do. Meadowhall only just features in the top 20, let alone Sheffield. There are diferent catchments for Leeds and Sheffield; it wont harm Leeds. If Trinity Qtr/Eastgate Qtr are built within the reasonably-near future, Leeds will retain a safe status as the main shopping centre in the region. (Meadowhall and Sheffield being the main competitors- not in a position to rival Leeds' retail scene in the current state)

Theres no doubt that it will improve Sheffield; however Sheffield has alot of catching up to do. Meadowhall only just features in the top 20, let alone Sheffield. There are diferent catchments for Leeds and Sheffield; it wont harm Leeds. If Trinity Qtr/Eastgate Qtr are built within the reasonably-near future, Leeds will retain a safe status as the main shopping centre in the region. (Meadowhall and Sheffield being the main competitors- not in a position to rival Leeds' retail scene in the current state)

I agree with No. 1.

Sheffield NRQ is smaller than Eastgate / Harewood (900,000 sq. ft compared to 1.2m sq ft) and it involves moving an existing John Lewis, not attracting a new one. Add Trinity, and the picture for Leeds is very different.

Interestingly, the same developer is behind both Sheffield and Eastgate/Harewood, so I doubt they think there's going to be any competition. They also built Bullring in Birmingham (which knocked Leeds down the rankings) - maybe they're trying to make up for it now?

The only shop that now doesnt say closing down is Next Clearance. The whole place looks dilapidated and awful, and they really should demolish it all as soon as possible.
Alot of the shops had very little stock remaining, so hopefully it'll be soon........

Then everybody buy stuff from these crappy stres so that it will happen fast
and we can knock that dump down.

Can anyone remember when Trinity was first mooted ?

Can anyone remember when Trinity was first mooted ?

I believe it was as early as 1999/2000. I seem to recall when they remodelled the Leeds Shopping Plaza in the late 1990s that they planned to commence the redevelopment of Trinity Quarter soon afterwards. I believe that Next Clearance was only meant to be for a stopgap period (as it still has many of the old C&A fixtures and fittings even today) following the closure of C&A due to the planned retail development although of course it has been here since 2001.

Still really a head banging notion regarding the ludicrously long delays to the scheme though especially as it could have been open for as early as 2003/4 it could have nicly filled the gap of providing new space between now and the development of Eastgate which Trinity could have provided such badly needed city centre retail space in the interim period and would have left Leeds to less of a disadvantage as opposed to rival shopping centres. The people who owned Leeds Shopping Plaza who kept blocking the Trinity Quarter scheme should really be ashamed of blocking the redevelopment of this eyesore for several years. :bash:

That's right initial planning was granted back in feb 2003 after 3 years of negotiations between LCC and USS!
btw,my other half has bought some books from one of the shops in the arcade which is finally due to close this week.

Can anyone remember when Trinity was first mooted ?

http://www.leedscivictrust.org.uk/news900trinity.htm

..

That's right initial planning was granted back in feb 2003 after 3 years of negotiations between LCC and USS!
btw,my other half has bought some books from one of the shops in the arcade which is finally due to close this week.

This is a good sign that things are moving forward. Could do with someone finding out when Next closes as this will be the best sign that Trinity Quarter is finally going to start

Hey up everyone. Im joe. Ive been reading this for a few months now so Im pretty much up to date. Basically, I work for Next and thought I would ask my manager a few questions. Basically there is a new Clearance (and Lime-next seconds) store opening up in Castleford which is meant to be somewhat of a rehousing of the Next clerance in Leeds. Looks bright and optomistic to me so keep your eyes open over the next few weeks. Wish I could be more useful with an exact date but hey. Its not bad for my 1st post. (And btw, bit of an intro; Im joe. Born in Dewsbury in 1985, grew up in Heckmondwike but now do philosophy and sociology at Leeds uni, so if you have any questions about life Ill give them ago. Ermmm HI!!! and also, I love Fred2 and aim to, one day, be as cynical as him (after all, true wisdom is knowing everything is shite really) Thansk!!

Joe x x

:banana:

Hey up everyone. Im joe. Ive been reading this for a few months now so Im pretty much up to date. Basically, I work for Next and thought I would ask my manager a few questions. Basically there is a new Clearance (and Lime-next seconds) store opening up in Castleford which is meant to be somewhat of a rehousing of the Next clerance in Leeds. Looks bright and optomistic to me so keep your eyes open over the next few weeks. Wish I could be more useful with an exact date but hey. Its not bad for my 1st post. (And btw, bit of an intro; Im joe. Born in Dewsbury in 1985, grew up in Heckmondwike but now do philosophy and sociology at Leeds uni, so if you have any questions about life Ill give them ago. Ermmm HI!!! and also, I love Fred2 and aim to, one day, be as cynical as him (after all, true wisdom is knowing everything is shite really) Thansk!!

Joe x x

:banana:

Welcome:) Fred - the cavalry is here!!

Joe x x

:banana:

Welcome to the forums! Hope your stay here is a relaxing and pleasant one.

:cheers1:

Subliving.

I love Fred2 and aim to, one day, be as cynical as him (after all, true wisdom is knowing everything is shite really) Thansk!!

Joe x x

Welcome Joe, and I note your remarks about me. I do not consider myself to be (unduly) cynical - only realistic - the product of long experience. But you are absolutely wrong. Everything is NOT shite really. (Is that what they teach as true wisdom in philosophy nowadays?) There are absolutes I strongly believe in - I am not a believer in moral relativism for starters. What I have found is that it is often not the game but the player, often not the song but the singer - if you understand what I mean. :)

Fred- not the game but the player? I think you've been listening to too much hip hop on free view music channels. Im only joking by the way; everything isn't shite really (grrrr- down with those existencialists) but as the only northener amongst many southern students (of which one is my best mate and another is my girlfriend- what happened to me *sob) it is quite fun to be negative about stuff just to annoy them. And Fred, I agree; Im not a relativist either; I think some things are great- like Leeds (yeh!). Bassically, the reason I got into this forum is because of all the exciting development (Criterion got me started) but also because I want Leeds to be bigger and brighter and attract more people to this ACE culture of Jorkshire (as my Swedish friend terms it). I went travelling for 8 months before I started my degree and me and a few mates decided that our dream would be to get a youth hostel going around here for international backpackers- its a dream and its a long way off. Id like to think things like the trinity plaza, Eastgate, Lumier, Criterion, the new museum etc could add to an already brilliant cosmopolitan city with great nightlife and music to make it a real draw to young, international backpackers. After walking round Merrion market as well (hadnt done for years) I just thought Leeds could be such a jem to people arriving from all over the world given the right investment.

I shall kindly now get off my soap box. Thanks for the welcome- cheers!!!

Joe

x
x(by the way, sorry for the kisses, I am butch really)

I put them in texts/msn! Not here though... or any forum...

I went travelling for 8 months before I started my degree and me and a few mates decided that our dream would be to get a youth hostel going around here for international backpackers


Get in there, quick.


It's not all smelly socks
Manchester has got one, so has Liverpool but Leeds city centre is missing out. It's a youth hostel.



Simon Ainley, the Youth Hostels Association (YHA) regional manager for Yorkshire and the North East says: "We are looking at a review of our network and Leeds is one of the biggest cities without a hostel. We also know that Leeds is very popular with younger visitors."

If your first impression of youth hostels is hiking across hills and wet clothes then think again, apparently the YHA is changing.

"We are working hard to adjust the perceptions of the YHA, people tend to think of sheds or dorms and smelly, wooly socks.

"We now have a range of fantastic locations and often have different types of buildings. People often think of us in a rural context but we have an extensive network, let's hope Leeds can join it. "

So the hunt is on in Leeds, the YHA are looking for a building that can hold 150-plus beds, in a city centre location near the railway station and the transport hubs. Not an easy task with Leeds' building and development boom.

Currently the YHA hasn't found a suitable building yet but it also hopes to start discussions with Leeds City Council.

Leeds has lots of hotel accommodation offering relatively expensive rooms but the YHA feels that there is a whole group of visitors that is not being catered for.

"Leeds has travellers who want to stay in a secure and friendly rooms at a reasonable price. If people haven't stayed with the YHA they might be surprised, we offer family and en-suite rooms as well as dormitories."

At best it will take a couple of years to find a location and develop a suitable property, meanwhile Ainley feels that talking with the city's universities about providing campus accommodation outside of term-time may provide a way to test the level of demand for a hostel.

The YHA already has over 220 hostels around the country and is celebrating its 75th year of operation in 2005.

Do you have a suitable building for a youth hostel in Leeds?
Contact: simonainley@yha.org.uk



Sadly, i think the only thing that can attract young internationals to Leeds is this place

http://lorry.org/Examplephotos/leeds-tower.jpg

nahhh... I think your pretty wrong on that front. I think Leeds is probably the best suited city to young travellers except for probably Brighton (and go on then London (but thats a given)). The draw, in my view, of Leeds to young people is its accessability in terms of getting to know a city. If your travelling around a country, You dont often spend more then a week or there. The fact that Leeds is so condenced yet offers pretty much something for everyone would be a massive draw to young people. As well as this, the atmosphere for young people is amazing; look at Hyde park in the summer, its like a festival site. There now needs to be an establishment of more things to support the obvious day trips of going to the royal amories, the new museum, possibly a trip to bradford photography museum. In my view, this come partly from the shopping (thus my support for the trinity quater) but also a support of the diversity of the city. Much more, for example needs to be made out of the FANTASTIC chinatown as well as the quirky marrion market. If there was a little bit of money put into supporting these two gems of diversity; thus supporting Leeds as a cultural centre and a massive tourist draw.

Joe

:lol:

Not just Leeds Uni, but Leeds Met. The met is very highly rated for sport, and Leeds is also one of the best places in Europe to study healthcare/dentistry/nursing etc. People arent just drawn to Leeds for those, but also for Headingley (obviously now Leeds Met Carnegie) and the internationally-known Leeds Fest.

Sorry double post!

Hey up everyone. Im joe. Ive been reading this for a few months now so Im pretty much up to date. Basically, I work for Next and thought I would ask my manager a few questions. Basically there is a new Clearance (and Lime-next seconds) store opening up in Castleford which is meant to be somewhat of a rehousing of the Next clerance in Leeds. Looks bright and optomistic to me so keep your eyes open over the next few weeks.

Where did you get this from? I know someone who works for them too and they asked and haven't heard anything about this development. Also isn't there already a Next Clearance at J32 outlet village (where I presume it would be as opposed to Castleford Town Centre)? http://www.junction32.com/stores_detail.asp?id=214

Not much of a store but it is a shame in a way to loose it. I wonder why they couldn't have located somewhere like the Crown Point Retail Park (replacing the Next there) or perhaps the Merrion Centre (taking on part of the largely empty Merrion Market perhaps)? Is there any dates for when this should take place perhaps signifying when this development will start and do you know any news regarding retailers in Trinity Quarter who plan to open on completion of this devleopment?

Well I got it from my manager who has worked for the company for 30 years and he seems pretty sure. I think we can certainly see this as a rumour for now and Ill ask him again on Sunday about when it will be moving etc. I think it would be excellent for it to move to Crown point as the crown point store isn't doing great and the retail park hardly seams bustling but I very much doubt it will. It hardly seems like a city centre shop to me. Why pay the city centre rents for a seconds and clerance store? Crown point seams a lot better position for it. I think it has already been mentioned that Next clearance was always meant to be a stop gap between C&A closing and trinity starting anyway- hardly a massive loss then.

joe

:lol:

Crown Point will be redeveloped one day I bet! At the current rate of redevelopment and the rapid expansion of the city centre southwards, Crown Point is likely to become part of the city centre.

Crown Point is doing well (as a whole) there's been a few new big names recently and it's always hard to find a place to park on a weekend... It's very useful providing city centre huge shops where you can park for free - eg buying a TV from Currys/Comet etc
Some big names there too - 2 Holiday Supermarkets, 2 Electricals, Argos Extra, TK Maxx, Asda at Home, Next, Mothercare World, Hobby Craft to name a few

Merrion Market or Merrion Odeon would be a much better permanent home... Someone email them quick!

..

Cheers Onix :cheers: (and the rest of you saying hi). I thought the whole idea of sky chasing was to be positive; chase the sky and you might fall short but you will get much higher then keeping your feet on ground. There is nowt wrong with been postive, as long as you recognise where you can do better next time. In Leeds there is lots to be proud of and a great base to build things on. The people responcible for this development would do well to remember and get on with it.

Thanks again

Joe

:banana:

di livio, come on, you know Leeds has a much broader appeal than that. It is one of the leading attractive cities for it's quality of life, leisure, career and university. It has recently been the only major city to be increasng it's population.

I know, you're right, but i would agree with Liam up to a point, that Leeds lacks the big historical/cultural selling point that other UK cities have (eg. The Beatles, Manchester United) World's first moving pictures is pretty impressive imo, but there doesn't seem to be anything you can hang off it.

I know, you're right, but i would agree with Liam up to a point, that Leeds lacks the big historical/cultural selling point that other UK cities have (eg. The Beatles, Manchester United) World's first moving pictures is pretty impressive imo, but there doesn't seem to be anything you can hang off it.

And it wasn't even a native of Leeds (it was a Frenchman who mysteriously disappeared) who produced those first moving pictures!

And it wasn't even a native of Leeds (it was a Frenchman who mysteriously disappeared) who produced those first moving pictures!

Yes, but it was the Tetley's that made the pictures move :banana:

Yes, but it was the Tetley's that made the pictures move :banana:

Could have been Ex Lax - is that made in Leeds ?

Another little sign that this could be moving forward ?

Planners vote to let Scarborough stay in the centre of Leeds



By DAVID MARSH
PLANNERS have given the go-ahead to a scheme that will keep Scarborough in Leeds.
They have given permission for the Scarborough Building Society to move into new premises in Albion Street in the city centre.
The society's current branch in Boar Lane is to be demolished to make way for a new shopping development and there were fears that it could be forced to leave the city.
But Leeds City Council's city centre plans panel agreed the Scarborough could move into a vacant shop unit in Cavendish House, in Albion Street.
Coun Amanda Carter, who chairs the panel, said: "I'm delighted that Scarborough Building Society will be staying in the city centre.
"They are a valuable asset to the city and if we had rejected their application we would have certainly lost them.
"Although it was argued that another bank on Albion Street would be unacceptable, this is a special case.
"Scarborough have nowhere else to go, and the unit has been empty for three years.
"Faced with losing them completely or sacrificing a shop space on the street, we voted to keep them in the centre.
"This way we prevent the loss of jobs, retain a fine financial institution in the heart of the city and stop a building from lying empty."

What the hell! Are they planning on demolishing the building where Scarborough Building Society are to the left of McDonalds: :ohno: :bash: .

http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/59/10059.jpg

http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/03/8203.jpg

Surely would be serverely dissapointed if they did that and although a small building it would be criminal to demolish this especially as I thought such buildings are protected. Surely there is no excuse for the demolition of this building especially as I thought its out of the main part of the Trinity Quarter and demolishing it would kinda spoil what is with exception of Leeds Shopping Plaza, Park Plaza and C&A's/Next Clearance/Trinity Arcade one of the more handsome streets in Leeds. A needless demoltion surely of a quality building. :( >(

What the hell! Are they planning on demolishing the building where Scarborough Building Society are to the left of McDonalds: :ohno: :bash: .

http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/59/10059.jpg

http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/03/8203.jpg

Surely would be serverely dissapointed if they did that and although a small building it would be criminal to demolish this especially as I thought such buildings are protected. Surely there is no excuse for the demolition of this building especially as I thought its out of the main part of the Trinity Quarter and demolishing it would kinda spoil what is with exception of Leeds Shopping Plaza, Park Plaza and C&A's/Next Clearance/Trinity Arcade one of the more handsome streets in Leeds. A needless demoltion surely of a quality building. :( >(

It is a very nice building... sure it must be listed?

It is a very nice building... sure it must be listed?

It must be in a conservation area, at least.

This is madness if it happens - but most strangely I can't find mention of this demolition anywhere in the planning documents. Plus if you look at the model of the scheme it doesn't appear to affect this part of Boar Lane - I don't know whether this is a complete model of the scheme or just a part of it though:

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o219/harrydphotos/Leeds-EMBT-TQ1.jpg

Its just a part of the scheme Harry as that model does not show the section of Trinity Quarter that opens out onto Briggate (between Pizza Hut and Topshop / Topman) and also what is happening around the Wilkinsons entrance to the Trinity Arcade as well which including that terrible bridge I hope would be radically remodelled as part of this development and what is happening the top end of the development at Marks and Spencers and Waterstones. Surely since they announced this scheme eons ago that they should have detailed renders of the entire development.

I hope they will not be demolishing the Scarborough Building Society and have just e-mailed the Leeds Civic Trust about what is happening with this building and will let you know when I get a reply.

Surely just a total refurb of the building, requiring it to be empty during construction?

Surely just a total refurb of the building, requiring it to be empty during construction?

Common sense at last! The only source we have for the story that the corner buildings are to be demolished is last week's YEP, that bastion of journalistic accuracy. My guess is that they took the proposed CPO to mean that the building would come down. But there's no mention of any demolition in the papers that went before the Planning Panel. And, if you look at some of the renders of the Briggate frontage, you will see that the new build is flanked by the existing Art Deco M & S to the right and the brick building housing McDonalds (now, if could do something about that!!) to the left.

Am I right in thinking, by the way, that the aforementioned building is a 1980s copy of what used to stand there? Or am I dreaming again?

Can we see some of the renders like the briggate frontage?

Am I right in thinking, by the way, that the aforementioned building is a 1980s copy of what used to stand there? Or am I dreaming again?

I've heard that rumour before but i think it's another mis-understanding.
For most of the 1960s the Saxone building, as it was then, had a temporary facade covering the victorian brick, which must have been taken off in the 1980s. Either that, or it's a very good copy.

http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/85/20031010_1517885.jpg


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/32/2002912_37623232.jpg

What puzzles me is the River Island building on Albion Place, which was part-demolished and re-built in a pastiche style, all for the sake of an extra floor.


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/60/20041221_66186160.jpg


Anyway, this is the only render of the Briggate frontage on the net, but I saw an updated version around 2003 which looked slightly different, incorporaring design features of Miralle's Scottish Parliament and including the TopShop store in the re-development.


http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/Trinity%20Quarter%201.jpg



http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/Trinity%20Quarter%202.jpg

Noticed in town today that Waterstones on Albion Street which joins onto the Trinity Arcade has a sign up saying it is closing on the 27th February. Can't see if it has anything much to do with this development as the facade on here clearly is not that of Trinity Arcade as the facade clearly shows predates the Trinity Arcade in looks. Is this a consolidation by Waterstones of stores as it would be a shame to lose a quality book shop from the city centre (although of course there is the other Waterstones but still a major loss to lose a book shop imo especially as theres so few specialist book shop chains these days and it is quite a large unit) unless it is clearly justified due to the Trinity Quarter development. Still no sign of when Next Clearance is closing though.

Noticed in town today that Waterstones on Albion Street which joins onto the Trinity Arcade has a sign up saying it is closing on the 27th February. Can't see if it has anything much to do with this development as the facade on here clearly is not that of Trinity Arcade as the facade clearly shows predates the Trinity Arcade in looks. Is this a consolidation by Waterstones of stores as it would be a shame to lose a quality book shop from the city centre (although of course there is the other Waterstones but still a major loss to lose a book shop imo especially as theres so few specialist book shop chains these days and it is quite a large unit) unless it is clearly justified due to the Trinity Quarter development. Still no sign of when Next Clearance is closing though.


Let's hope this is just because of the Trinity development.
It suggests to me an interesting exercise. How does Leeds fare in the number of city centre bookshops it has compared to other cities ?

It would make sense for Waterstones to close; it does have a back entrance in the Trinity Qtr.

..

How does Leeds fare in the number of city centre bookshops it has compared to other cities ?

For a 'core city', it fares quite well (Borders, Waterstones, Blackwells, Smiths, Oxfam et al. at the Uni) however there isn't a single decent second hand bookshop along the lines of Sheffield's 'Rare and Racy'. Incidentally, sheffield's West Street/Division Street area used to have 4 bookshops within a hundred yards of each other.

http://www.rareandracy.co.uk/images/shopfront.jpg

York, of course, has dozens - Wormholes, Spellmans, Minstergate, Oxfam, etc.

For a 'core city', it fares quite well (Borders, Waterstones, Blackwells, Smiths, Oxfam et al. at the Uni) however there isn't a single decent second hand bookshop along the lines of Sheffield's 'Rare and Racy'. Incidentally, sheffield's West Street/Division Street area used to have 4 bookshops within a hundred yards of each other.

http://www.rareandracy.co.uk/images/shopfront.jpg

York has dozens - Wormholes, Spellmans, Minstergate, Oxfam, etc.


There are/were some second hand bookshops near rhe university, but we do miss the old Miles bookshop in Leeds which was on Woodhouse Lane and thereafter on Great George Street. I get most of my second hand books via the internet but youy can't physically browse books online !

Let's hope this is just because of the Trinity development.
It suggests to me an interesting exercise. How does Leeds fare in the number of city centre bookshops it has compared to other cities ?

It has a few as Livio mentioned above, although compared to most other cities it doesnt fare that well I dont think. Not only on the second hand bookshop side of the coin, but even with the number of WH Smiths we have - only two, one on Lands Lane and one in the train station. Most other cities have 2 or 3 in their centres and another in train stations anyway. I do hope they reopen the Waterstones.

I really hope they're not planning on tearing down the Scarbourgh Building Society building too :ohno:

There are/were some second hand bookshops near rhe university, but we do miss the old Miles bookshop in Leeds which was on Woodhouse Lane and thereafter on Great George Street. I get most of my second hand books via the internet but youy can't physically browse books online !

Remember back in the early 70's my Grandma used to drag me along to Stringers the second hand bookshop in Leeds Market, thing is she used to use it like a library, "take the books back" ? :nuts:

Remember back in the early 70's my Grandma used to drag me along to Stringers the second hand bookshop in Leeds Market, thing is she used to use it like a library, "take the books back" ? :nuts:

Yes I remember Stringers. That was what I would call the lower end of the second hand book market ! Hardly to be mentioned in the same breath as Miles.

Yes I remember Stringers. That was what I would call the lower end of the second hand book market ! Hardly to be mentioned in the same breath as Miles.

Maybe that's why she took them back :)

What about Borders?

It has a few as Livio mentioned above, although compared to most other cities it doesnt fare that well I dont think. Not only on the second hand bookshop side of the coin, but even with the number of WH Smiths we have

That's the impression I have.

There's a pic of Trinity Quarter in this weeks Estates Gazette. I haven't had time to read the article but i did notice there appears to be space for a restaurant/cafe/bar overlooking the church.

There's a pic of Trinity Quarter in this weeks Estates Gazette. I haven't had time to read the article but i did notice there appears to be space for a restaurant/cafe/bar overlooking the church (which will no doubt threaten the trade of the cafe inside the church .

were do you get this mag frm ive tried but cant find it anywheres?

were do you get this mag frm ive tried but cant find it anywheres?

http://www.qssa.co.uk/reed/subcentre/default.asp?title=ega

thanks but can you buy it in the shops its a little pricey for the subscription.

From what i remember, there is a planning application for 70,000 (000?) sq ft of retail space in the Leeds Shopping Plaza on the cards, designed by Chapman Taylor architects (Arndale Manchester, Meadowhall)

As for Trinity, they're hoping it will be completed by 2009, so that suggests a start on site this year.

From what i remember, there is a planning application for 70,000 (000?) sq ft of retail space in the Leeds Shopping Plaza on the cards, designed by Chapman Taylor architects (Arndale Manchester, Meadowhall)

As for Trinity, they're hoping it will be completed by 2009, so that suggests a start on site this year.

Chapman Taylor then one of the most eminent architects for shopping centres. Lets hope its better than some of their previous work and something which actually revitalises Leeds Shopping Plaza as opposed to yet another generic polar white shopping mall with the same old stores and I hope something that can genuinely be vibrant. I wonder how it would compare positively or negatively to these:

Meadowhall, Sheffield

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/Meadowhall_-_High_Street_21-04-06.JPG

Arndale Extension, Manchester

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/15/Manchester_Arndale_Exchange_Court.jpg/800px-Manchester_Arndale_Exchange_Court.jpg

Trafford Centre, Manchester

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ee/Trafford_View.JPG/800px-Trafford_View.JPG

Bullring, Birmingham (except for the well known Selfridges part which was by Future Systems)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/83/Interior_of_Bullring.jpg/450px-Interior_of_Bullring.jpg

I presume any development would be done after the completion of Trinity Quarter and my guess will be that we will see any main redevelopment occur at the bottom end where BHS is and the former Mothercare store as that espcecially externally could do with a remodel and the section of Boar Lane underneath Leeds Shopping Plaza is a real eye sore.

..

so its trinity and the shopping plaza that will go ahed.
nice one its nice to see a horrible part of town turned into a nice one.
This development,eastgate,lewis and others will take leeds above mancheser in shopping i belive.

..

Hmm, so Trinity, Leeds Shopping Plaza and the Headrow Centre all under renovation/construction at the same time, not to mention the changes to the Merrion Centre.......... are there actually going to be any shops open in Leeds for the next few years? :lol:

Bar the glass corner frontages, the Bullring is quite a disappointing, ephemeral building, but surely anything would be an improvement on the current Boar Lane facades.


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/29/43039472_0f6c6fb212.jpg

..

Found this:
CPO boost for Leeds’ Trinity Quarter
Published: 09 November, 2006
The Department for Communities and Local Government has approved the Compulsory Purchase Order for USS’s Trinity Quarter development in Leeds.

This gives the fund the go-ahead to progress plans for the 300,000 sq ft covered shopping centre featuring restaurants and cafes in the heart of Leeds city centre.

Jones Lang LaSalle has now been appointed to secure a joint venture development partner for the shopping centre development, which will create three levels of shopping, linking directly to Leeds’ prime retail pitch, with 45,000sq ft of offices above.

The scheme is set to open in 2009.

JLL partner Stuart la Frenais said the news meant USS would be in a position to steal a march on its rivals, Hammerson and Town Centre Securities, which propose a massive retail-led scheme for the city’s Harewood Quarter.
http://www.shopping-centre.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1452/CPO_boost_for_Leeds%92_Trinity_Quarter.html

Jones Lang LaSalle has now been appointed to secure a joint venture development partner for the shopping centre development

So this is where they were at in November: USS looking for a partner. I've very little knowledge of this kind of process, so can anyone clear up if this is the sort of thing likely to take four months or more; and just what is a 'joint venture development partner'? I'm guessing it's someone willing to stump up part of the cash.

Does anyone know if contractors have been appointed yet - or would that follow after securing a partner?

If we can iron out some of these legal wranglings, we might have some more indicators on a start date. Or we could just ask USS, I suppose...!

So this is where they were at in November: USS looking for a partner. I've very little knowledge of this kind of process, so can anyone clear up if this is the sort of thing likely to take four months or more; and just what is a 'joint venture development partner'? I'm guessing it's someone willing to stump up part of the cash.


stump up capital, and share the project risk. Fairly standard structure in many major developments, particularly where the developer (USS in this case) is not actually a 'professional' property developer - I understand USS to be the public sector pension fund for teachers, doctors, nurses etc. This is one of their long term investments. A lot of developers aren't big enough to bite off such a large amount of risk on a long term expensive project. For example Land Securities - the biggest property developer in the UK - is big enough to do lots of projects on their own, but sometimes weigh up their options and choose to develop jointly (e.g. One New Change, the City of London shopping and office scheme underway next door to St Pauls Cathedral).

Looking forward to seeing the bulldozers rolling into this one.

So this is where they were at in November: USS looking for a partner. I've very little knowledge of this kind of process, so can anyone clear up if this is the sort of thing likely to take four months or more; and just what is a 'joint venture development partner'? I'm guessing it's someone willing to stump up part of the cash.

Does anyone know if contractors have been appointed yet - or would that follow after securing a partner?
If we can iron out some of these legal wranglings, we might have some more indicators on a start date. Or we could just ask USS, I suppose...!


In view of these wranglings, my remark in #450 in the Harewood Eastgate thread that Trinity may not finish first before Harewood/Eastgate could yet come true - perhaps belying your charge in #449, that I was 'way off beam' in suggesting that ?!

In view of these wranglings, my remark in #450 in the Harewood Eastgate thread that Trinity may not finish first before Harewood/Eastgate could yet come true - perhaps belying your charge in #449, that I was 'way off beam' in suggesting that ?!

to be fair Fred, the Trinity Quarter development is considerably smaller and less complex (no moving of 'bookends etc'), and I guess that the construction schedule will be much shorter than Harewood/Eastgate. You're right though - at the current snails pace, perhaps Hammersons and TCS will be first on site.

to be fair Fred, the Trinity Quarter development is considerably smaller and less complex (no moving of 'bookends etc'), and I guess that the construction schedule will be much shorter than Harewood/Eastgate. You're right though - at the current snails pace, perhaps Hammersons and TCS will be first on site.

I am quite well aware of the different sizes and complexities of the two developments. In theory, Trinity SHOULD be finished much earlier. However, in theory we might have expected it to be up and running by now!

In view of these wranglings, my remark in #450 in the Harewood Eastgate thread that Trinity may not finish first before Harewood/Eastgate could yet come true - perhaps belying your charge in #449, that I was 'way off beam' in suggesting that ?!

Of course Harewood and Eastgate could finish first. At the moment, I don't think it will. If situations arise that look likely to change that, I'll have to revise my opinion, won't I? None of us will know for sure until one of them is finished, no matter who makes what remark in which post number. Most importantly, keep this in mind: I couldn't give a toss about being right or wrong. As someone pointed out earlier today, this isn't the bloody playground. So :tongue:

Of course Harewood and Eastgate could finish first. At the moment, I don't think it will. If situations arise that look likely to change that, I'll have to revise my opinion, won't I? None of us will know for sure until one of them is finished, no matter who makes what remark in which post number. Most importantly, keep this in mind: I couldn't give a toss about being right or wrong. As someone pointed out earlier today, this isn't the bloody playground. So :tongue:

Sir Charles why are you so easily offended ? >>>None of us will know for sure until one of them is finished, no matter who makes what remark in which post number >>>> That is your most sensible statement with which we can all agree. :)

So this is where they were at in November: USS looking for a partner. I've very little knowledge of this kind of process, so can anyone clear up if this is the sort of thing likely to take four months or more; and just what is a 'joint venture development partner'? I'm guessing it's someone willing to stump up part of the cash.


Forgive me if I have been wrong but just why has it taken seven years from when this scheme was first announced that only now USS have announced a partner for this development. Would it have been a good idea to have done this earlier and I presume a strong possibility would be for Land Securities owner of the Leeds Shopping Plaza would be this joint developer especially as I have heard of plans a few months that they aimed to make the Trinity and Leeds Shopping Plazas into a single entity? Is that happening still? Also Scarborough Building Society on Boar Lane has closed down and is currently empty due to this redevelopment.

Leeds Trinity Quarter
A £150m retail scheme to revitalise a part of the centre of Leeds looks set to go ahead following the decision by our client Leeds City Council to use CPOs to enable access for construction work.

The council have granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Trinity Quarter in Leeds to Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited (USS). The scheme aims to transform the 1970s architecture of the two arcades and surrounding properties. Complications arose due to challenges from a competing scheme. The Council has now resolved to make the CPO following an appraisal it undertook.

The scheme is expected to create more than 300,000 sq ft of shops on two floors with a glass roof terrace containing cafes, restaurants and a tiered plaza. USS owns the freehold in most of the Trinity Quarter site.
theres a pic but i cant upload it so heres the link.

no link then.Its on the second page of google on trinty quater development.

http://www.pinsentmasons.com/sectorsservices/urbantowncentre.aspx
scroll to bottom

Forgive me if I have been wrong but just why has it taken seven years from when this scheme was first announced that only now USS have announced a partner for this development. Would it have been a good idea to have done this earlier and I presume a strong possibility would be for Land Securities owner of the Leeds Shopping Plaza would be this joint developer especially as I have heard of plans a few months that they aimed to make the Trinity and Leeds Shopping Plazas into a single entity? Is that happening still? Also Scarborough Building Society on Boar Lane has closed down and is currently empty due to this redevelopment.

I think if you read the earlier posts on this thread most of your questions are answered but I will summarise. USS had a joint venture partner at the beginning of this proposal in the form of Lend Lease; they've now pulled out in frustration at the time that everything has taken, hence USS looking for another partner. TOPS Estates, the former owners of the Leeds Shopping Plaza, submitted their own planning application for the Trinity Quarter at about the same time that USS submitted theirs. Both their application (which was pants, in my opinion) and the USS one were approved but, since USS actually owned Trinity, they were given the green light to go ahead and the City Council began to draw up compulsory purchase orders.

Now it gets complicated. TOPS submitted an objection to the CPO process which meant it had to go to a public enquiry. Late in the day, they threw in the towel and sold the Leeds Shopping Plaza to Land Securities but it was too late to stop the CPO enquiry. That enquiry has completed its course and found that the City Council acted with complete propriety, thus paving the way for the CPOs to be issued.

The plot thickens still further. This lunchtime, I walked through the TQ just to get the lie of the land. One of the shops still open (Peter Jones, I believe) has a photocopy of an article from an unidentified newspaper in its window.
According to the article, Caddicks were approached with a view to entering the joint venture with USS. But they've gone one step further and bought out USS completely and are proposing to develop TQ on their own, albeit in liaison with Land Securities.

Strangely enough, there's no mention of this on Caddick's website where the latest piece of news is dated 30 Jan 2007. I thought it could be a piece of April Fool's Day jiggery pokery, but that would be rather arcane for most of the people who frequent the TQ.

The plot thickens still further. This lunchtime, I walked through the TQ just to get the lie of the land. One of the shops still open (Peter Jones, I believe) has a photocopy of an article from an unidentified newspaper in its window.
According to the article, Caddicks were approached with a view to entering the joint venture with USS. But they've gone one step further and bought out USS completely and are proposing to develop TQ on their own, albeit in liaison with Land Securities.



Yeah I noticed this the other day, which is a worry if Caddick's tardy development of Quarry Hill is anything to go by.

I'm sure there are people on this forum involved in the commercial side of the built environment who have greater expertise in the problems/complexities faced - developers etc - but this has been one sorry saga which should really shame all concerned.