Ok but in that case the bookend should be kept as a facade at least. would it be possible to get enough 'front' onto the roundabout if it were between a Sidney street arcade & Ludgate Hill?

The Hoagys bookend is being demolished for the NGT/Supertram/next great idea route, not JL.

well all the renders show JL on the site of Hoagys. Either way, it shouldn't be hard to keep it, especially if Milgarth is being knocked down.

I really think using the bookend as a facade, with adjoining 'icon' frontage onto St Peters Street would be the best thing for JL, with NGT/Supertram coming down eastgate & curving past, especially if the Sidney St arcade were built.

What do you mean by 'as a facade'? The whole 'bookend' effect comes from the way the two buildings frame the bottom of Eastgate when looking up, so you would essentially have to keep the whole thing (which I wouldn't object to).

Eastgate has now been officially approved by the chief planning officer post the nod by the City Centre Panel. Most of the original documentation has now been taken off the public access portal including comments. Wonder if this means the detailed application will be soon?

Eastgate Public Access (https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LHUJ42JB0FZ00)

what are they planning on doing with buses that need to go up The Headrow from the station?

what are they planning on doing with buses that need to go up The Headrow from the station?

I believe the one way direction of George Street/Dyer Street will be reversed. That means it's a left out of the bus station, straight up that road onto Vicar Lane (and onto the Headrow or towards the Corn Exchange from there). From what I gather that road will be for Market/John Lewis service use and buses only.

Hammerson has committed to begin construction work once its scheme is 50 per cent pre-let and is just four per cent short of that target now.

Insider Media (http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/yorkshire/60004-/)

.... and the small matter of planning permission!

4%! :banana:

great news!

Just 4% to go?! That's awesome news! Let's all club together and get a small unit so we can bask in the glory of getting the scheme started :P

Oh wow- great news! I don't think planning permission is going to be a problem either- there will be the minor intricacies to sort out, but we know the council is behind the regeneration of this area.

Is the completion date still 2015? Cause I can't see it being completed that quickly, especially since it's a lot larger than Trinity.

If they started construction next year and were speedy on construction, they could have it finished by 2015. Size isn't that much of an issue- you just get more cranes, builders and diggers!

I suppose things like moving the bookends could take some time though.

Insider Media (http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/yorkshire/60004-/)

.... and the small matter of planning permission!

Realistically, we should see diggers on site by spring 2012 which would be excellent news. Certainly moving nicely forward and demand for space has obviously been strong

:applause: Honestly can't wait for this, Leeds will be transformed. :)

I notice that Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce have Andy Street, MD of John Lewis speaking at their business lunch at the Queens on November 8. The event is sponsored by Hammerson - a good opportunity for an announcement maybe?

http://www.leedschamber.co.uk/index.php/events-schedule/oct-dec-11/details/795-business-lunch-with-andy-street-md-of-john-lewis-partnership.html

Well 4% more retailers before Eastgate could commence construction certainly doesn't sound like much although I would wonder whether (other than John Lewis) there will be much in the way of new retailers as opposed to existing city centre retailers or new retailers who are signed up for Trinity. Still it would certainly be an exciting development provided it is more of a Liverpool One as opposed to a Westfield imo.

Certainly the development would have to look completely right considering it is a once in a century chance to fully integrate this largely empty plot of land into the main shopping district of the city centre and such an opportunity must not be wasted. Also as I have said on this thread before I would rather see more retention of old buildings in addition to perhaps having any new builds which fronts onto Eastgate itself done in the Blomfield style imo.

Also surely a benefit of Eastgate would have to be improvements to retailers and centres needed in other parts of the city centre in a bid to keep up with the extra competition Eastgate will bring already seen with the likes of course with the Trinity Leeds development and the phased recladding of the Merrion Centre although of course there have been failures as seen with the revamp of The Core which is still largely empty on the inside.

If EQ did go ahead soon it would be really bizarre given the world economic situation right now.

Although I think there's the feeling that Leeds can take the extra retail space as most modern retailers can't find suitable space in the City. Briggate just doesn't offer the floorplates you'd find in competing cities.

If Trinity is over 60% signed now, and Eastgate 46% now, that's pretty impressive considering the economy.

Lets be honest here too- the underperformance of neighbouring retail centres is allowing Leeds to push well above it's weight. I'm not just referring to Bradford here, but we don't have any huge out of town shopping centres. The WRC is nothing like the Trafford Centre or Meadowhall... and of course Sheffield itself is probably sending quite a few shoppers to Leeds. Almost no new retail space in Harrogate and York is allowing Leeds to capture some of the higher end shops too.

If EQ did go ahead soon it would be really bizarre given the world economic situation right now.

When John lewis and M & S are already committed and signed up for a big chunk of EQ, why is it bizarre?

Like the name EQ di Livio, could be a good marketing name for the centre

According to their website the earliest start date is 2013 with completion in 2016.

link (http://www.hammerson.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=133289&p=prop-developments)

An earlier than planned start date may boost confidence in their shares though. If you look at their newsfeed (http://www.hammerson.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=133289&p=prol-news&newsReleasesBlurb01.1_rs=1&newsReleasesBlurb01.1_rc=10&nyo=0) they have been busy acquiring/disposing of assets and securing credit in the last few years. Their website states (http://www.hammerson.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=133289&p=prol-news-article&ID=1555854&highlight=):
the total medium-term committed financing available to Hammerson is approximately £2.7 billion.

Outline planning was submitted in March and rubber stamped by the City Centre plans panel in July. How long does full planning normally take?

Brilliant news. Although I do hope that there is a redesign going on. I would prefer to see some new streets built in the EQ rather than an arcade/shopping center. Would have been a good chance to get some new modern, unique architecture in Leeds. Still glad its going ahead.

If EQ did go ahead soon it would be really bizarre given the world economic situation right now.

Indeed. Going into the City you just wouldn't realise the economy is going 'down the pan' :)

4% of this scheme is probably huge though?...

The redesign stage has already occurred- at least with regards to the general masterplan. The intricate details and individual building designs still need to be sorted though.

The Harewood Quarter part of the scheme will be new streets; Ebenezer Street notably.

Of the retail space, 4% is 4087.72 sq. metres.

A quick google discovers that that's (well, 4000 sq m) about the same size as the area enclosed inside an athletics track... or a bit bigger than the Everyman cinema at Trinity.

It's the sort of size that Forever 21 might go for for a flagship.

When John lewis and M & S are already committed and signed up for a big chunk of EQ, why is it bizarre?


Because people aren't consuming as much at the moment and are unlikely to in the foreseeable future, especially with cuts, job losses, and uncertainty likely to be a feature of the next decade.

The Harewood Quarter part of the scheme will be new streets; Ebenezer Street notably.

Didn't realise that there was still the EQ and HQ. I thought it was all being rolled into one :dunno: Good to know that they will still be building some new streets in the master plan though. Looking forward to seeing the final designs for the buildings.

Well it never really was separate, it was just called 'Eastgate & Harewood Quarters', and then all renamed 'Eastgate Quarters'. It's still useful to refer to the Harewood Quarter to mean the south side of Eastgate part though.

Another exclusive press release for Insider Media (http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/yorkshire/60254-church-green-light-eastgate-quarters/):

Leeds' multimillion-pound Eastgate Quarters retail development has moved a step forward after plans to move a church were given the go-ahead.

Developer Hammerson had applied to build a new home for the Bridge Street Pentecostal Church meaning it will move from its current site to the former Agnes Stewart Church of England School in Burmantofts.

Hammerson will be involved in building the new church and will manage the relocation and set up of the new site.

Hammerson development manager Joe Swindells said: "We are delighted to have received planning consent for the relocation of the church as we have been working in partnership with the church for a number of years.

"This is a key project which will enable us to bring forward the Eastgate scheme and it will be the first significant enabling works before construction of the newly proposed Templar arcade and redevelopment of Harewood Quarter commences."

Eastgate Quarters aims to offer one million sq ft of mainly retail space and create 4,000 jobs.

Obviously it's down to what the church want at the end of the day, but I don't think this is particularly good. Originally, Bridge Street were going to take a space/building in Eastgate- clearly the redesign has either meant they have been forced to look elsewhere, or they have decided to go it alone. Either way, it will mean an altogether less diverse quarter of the city.

We're always saying about having sustainable regeneration; surely that means welcoming things like pubs (not just bars), health centres, churches, libraries, post offices, community centres- and everything else you'd expect to find in a healthy town or village.

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/central-leeds/plans_to_demolish_leeds_city_centre_church_gets_green_light_1_3865763

Sounds like the church have got a great deal out of it! Although I agree having them take a unit in the new development would have added to the diversity and culture of the scheme

I suppose being in Burmantofts will allow them to serve a wider community better, but we should be trying to encourage people to come into the City on Sundays, and for reasons other than shopping. City Centre churches are growing fast at the moment; should be harnessed!

I do feel kind of sorry for them though..

Most churches nowadays are converted to bars, I believe Leeds is one of the least religious cities in the country..

I believe Leeds is one of the least religious cities in the country..

I'm not too sure about that, there's a lot of Muslims in Leeds & even quite a few Jews. It just seems to be Christianity thats seeing a slow demise.

Why do you think this? Church attendance was up last year in the UK- and it's the cities that are pioneering this.

Christianity is still shrinking in towns/villages, but its growing in cities- and fast. St. George's had around 300 regular attendees in 2003. It's now around 1000. Bridge Street is also at around 1000. Mosaic is now at around 300. Hope City has two campuses- about 300 in the City. Out in the suburbs, there's about 200 at Hope City, Vineyard in Moortown has about 250, and St. James's Horsforth and Christ Church Armley also have around 250 regular attendees. Riverside has also recently been established, and I know Holy Trinity is starting to grow again. Don't know about the Cathedral or Leeds Parish Church.

It seems there's a trend that smaller, more traditional churches have shrunk (some closed), but churches that have managed to build momentum are booming. This should be embraced in our developments if we are ever to create sustainable new quarters. The same should apply for other faith institutions; although I don't know the details of their attendance.

I was obviously wrong then. I just don't know anyone who goes to church :S

I do feel kind of sorry for them though..

Most churches nowadays are converted to bars, I believe Leeds is one of the least religious cities in the country..

I'd see that as a good thing. Some would say least religious; I would say most enlightened...

I don't this thread is the right place for a debate about religion. What remains true, regardless of your opinion around religion, is that Eastgate is a less diverse development because of this.

I don't this thread is the right place for a debate about religion. What remains true, regardless of your opinion around religion, is that Eastgate is a less diverse development because of this.

How?

... how is it not?

A truly diverse development would have a church/other places of worship, pubs, dentists, doctors/health centre, convenience stores, post office.. We should be creating sustainable urban villages, not just bland retail developments that are only open 8 - 8 Monday - Saturday.

The vast majority of inhabitants of Leeds are not going to miss this church, so I don't see it as a loss. I agree with the other amenities that you've mentioned and there is currently a shortage of them in the city centre. There isn't a shortage of places of worship however.

On the subject of churches could no church (or anything else for that matter) ever move to the Grade 1 listed St John the Evangalist Church on Merrion Street which has apparently not been used as a church since 1977 except I believe for Christmas Day services (and what an attractive building that is too). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_John_the_Evangelist%27s_Church,_Leeds

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/57/St_johns_leeds_atoach.jpg/744px-St_johns_leeds_atoach.jpg

As for a growth in church attendances could a lot of that come from immigration?

Spot on Val Verde, it is definitely immigration causing a rise in church attendees.

Isn't the proposed new site for the church right next to... a former church?...

Great building in the pic above btw - shame the design of the St John's centre didn't allow much access/views from Dortmund Sq...

Spot on Val Verde, it is definitely immigration causing a rise in church attendees.

can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not 10123 but Val does have a point... the eastern european side of my family was a lot more religious than the welsh half ever was. from my experience, the north seems a lot more religious than the south (or at least people are a lot more open about their faith). either way, it's not a bad thing.

shame that the church is being moved. that's one less reason for a whole group of the Leeds population not to go to that area of town anymore.

You have no figures to prove that, and if you were to look at statistics, you would see that immigration is nowhere near as high as you think it is- and as high as the media like to make out. Immigration rates have decreased every year since 2008.

is eastgate going to go under construction soon?

is eastgate going to go under construction soon?

Yes, tommorow in fact.

No really:bash:

can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not 10123 but Val does have a point... the eastern european side of my family was a lot more religious than the welsh half ever was. from my experience, the north seems a lot more religious than the south (or at least people are a lot more open about their faith). either way, it's not a bad thing.

shame that the church is being moved. that's one less reason for a whole group of the Leeds population not to go to that area of town anymore.

I'm been serious lol.

There was an article in The Times about how immigrants from Eastern Europe were keeping many churches alive.

Granted the project will have an iconic building (perhaps the bread bin) but what the project really misses is something like this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brick_Man

Bringing thousands of additional people into the city centre and specifically to the Eastgate quarter.

:)

Interesting that John Lewis have today announced they are pulling out of Preston's £700m Tithebarn shopping development which has effectively wrecked the scheme. Let's hope they stick with us in Leeds, given that we are surely a better prospect for their investment than Preston.

On the subject of churches could no church (or anything else for that matter) ever move to the Grade 1 listed St John the Evangalist Church on Merrion Street which has apparently not been used as a church since 1977 except I believe for Christmas Day services (and what an attractive building that is too).

As for a growth in church attendances could a lot of that come from immigration?


You're wrong about it not being used as a church since 1977. It was used to hold weekday and Sunday Masses for the congregation of Leeds Catholic Cathedral (St. Anne's) a few years ago on a temporary basis when the Cathedral was being renovated.



Interesting that John Lewis have today announced they are pulling out of Preston's £700m Tithebarn shopping development which has effectively wrecked the scheme. Let's hope they stick with us in Leeds, given that we are surely a better prospect for their investment than Preston.


That's very worrying!!!!! To pull out of a major shopping development means John Lewis means John Lewis must be really concerned about the current state of the economy and the impact it may have on its business. I really hope they don't pull out of Eastgate as it would be a huge blow to Leeds. Leeds is the only big city in the UK without a John Lewis. It was disappointing when Selfridges pulled out of Eastgate but if JL pull out surely that will be the final nail in the coffin for this retail development.

Interesting that John Lewis have today announced they are pulling out of Preston's £700m Tithebarn shopping development which has effectively wrecked the scheme. Let's hope they stick with us in Leeds, given that we are surely a better prospect for their investment than Preston.

Does this mean that Preston Bus Station is now saved? Still surely a disaster for Preston id have thought though to lose its chance to see a John Lewis open.

As for Leeds surely a John Lewis is a much more likely prospect considering Leeds is already one of the top shopping centres in the UK and it must surely be crying out for a great big department store following from the loss of the likes of Schofields and Lewis's / Allders in the last couple of decades. Still could John Lewis's proposal to open a store at the Monks Cross retail park to the north east of York (potentially due for opening as soon as Autumn 2013) potentially affect their Leeds scheme? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-15551954

Surely can't see why it should although Im guessing project management for the development of both stores could be the same considering relatively close proximity to the new sites. Also Eastgate where John Lewis is proposed is certainly in desperate need of redevelopment although such a redevelopment would have to look right considering it is a once in a generation chance to revitalise this decript corner of the city centre although I do wonder myself if Leeds can sustain both Trinity and Eastgate opening within a relatively short timeframe on top of existing shopping streets and centres (although John Lewis should be an attraction in itself i'd have thought).

Still if John Lewis do pull out of Eastgate it would certainly give me a very poor impression of that company imo (possibly leading towards a desire never to want to buy anything from a John Lewis or Waitrose), as being seen not to care for Leeds particularly when John Lewis could have potentially taken over Lewis's or Schofields back when those stores could have been saved as a going concern.

That's very worrying!!!!! To pull out of a major shopping development means John Lewis means John Lewis must be really concerned about the current state of the economy and the impact it may have on its business. I really hope they don't pull out of Eastgate as it would be a huge blow to Leeds. Leeds is the only big city in the UK without a John Lewis. It was disappointing when Selfridges pulled out of Eastgate but if JL pull out surely that will be the final nail in the coffin for this retail development.

I think it might of been more based on retail study's of Preston and not of the UK. They may of decided preston investment may be too risky. Leeds on the otherhand should be classed as a must open location. I'm fully confident John Lewis will open in Leeds it's a opportunity not to be missed for them. Was selfridges originally planning to open in Leeds!? I did not know that.

Was selfridges originally planning to open in Leeds!? I did not know that.

Yeah, but basically Selfridges went into new ownership resulting in the cancellation of all future plans.

I'm not sure since why then they haven't attempted to expand, not just in Leeds but any other city.

Perhaps a limited number of store creates exclusivity? I don't agree, but just a thought.

Whats even more interesting about the Preston Scheme is only a few weeks ago it was bought by Land Securities (for a sum of £5M).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-15332559

The mind boggles as to why they would cancel the development completely, surely they could have found a replacement such as M&S or even Next.

I can't predict the actions of John Lewis, but I highly doubt they'd pull out of Leeds. They are fully aware that they're missing out on a huge market at the moment, and one store on the edge of York won't satisfy that. Leeds is leagues above Preston, and has a catchment in the millions.

John Lewis are still committed to Eastgate.

Street to reveal Eastgate attraction
Last updated: 4th Nov 2011 at 08:09am
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Street to reveal Eastgate attraction

John Lewis managing director Andy Street is to outline why his company has chosen to anchor the £675m Eastgate Quarters at an event in Leeds next week.

John Lewis' 260,000 sq ft store is set to be the anchor shop for the proposed development which secured planning permission in July.

Street, who earlier this week told Insider that John Lewis looked forward to investing in Sheffield, will also provide insight into the national retail sector's performance and John Lewis' business model. The company is owned by its employees who take a share of profits and have a say in how it is run.

Street will speak at the Leeds Chamber Business Lunch, sponsored by Hammerson, which is taking place on Tuesday (8 November) at the Queens Hotel.

"We are delighted to welcome Andy to Leeds to talk about his experiences running one of the biggest retail giants in the UK and his investment plans in the city," said Gary Williamson, chief executive of the chamber.

"The Eastgate and Harewood Quarter is set to open in 2015 and will transform a part of the city centre in need of regeneration, as well as creating thousands of jobs and supply chain opportunities across the city. The John Lewis brand will pay a key role in attracting other retailers into the development and will further bolster Leeds’ positioning as a lead shopping destination."

John Lewis has also revealed it is to open a £15m department store on the outskirts of York, creating 300 jobs. The 100,000 sq ft store will be part of developer Oakgate's Monks Cross complex.

http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/yorkshire/61424-street-reveal-eastgate-attraction/

Good spotting Andy. First thing that jumps out from that press release is the difference in size between the York and Eastgate stores, with Eastgate being well over twice the size of its York counterpart.

Yeah, but basically Selfridges went into new ownership resulting in the cancellation of all future plans.

I'm not sure since why then they haven't attempted to expand, not just in Leeds but any other city.

Perhaps a limited number of store creates exclusivity? I don't agree, but just a thought.

I think London remains the most profitable per square foot. Only some of their regional stores are considered to be trading well. I don't think any are at a loss though, but the new owners obviously felt continued expansion was a risk.

Was selfridges originally planning to open in Leeds!? I did not know that.


Yes, Selfridges was suppose to be the other anchor store at Eastgate but then the CEO retired and a new CEO took his place and decided instead to concentrate their efforts in the London, Manchester and Birmingham stores and not open anymore branches for the foreseeable future.

The other anchor store at Eastgate will now be a Marks and Spencer ''megastore''. When it opens, it will be Marks and Spencer's second largest store (the first being their flagship store in Oxford Street in London).

I dont see JL pulling out of eastgate, but there is another site taht is in the city centre, empty and has adjacent parking, that being The Core, which other than the Gym, Sports Direct and Clintons is effectively empty. I wonder if this space could potentially be re-redeveloped into a JL store? Unlikely, I suppose, but given the history at that location, it would be somewhat fitting.

I dont see JL pulling out of eastgate, but there is another site taht is in the city centre, empty and has adjacent parking, that being The Core, which other than the Gym, Sports Direct and Clintons is effectively empty. I wonder if this space could potentially be re-redeveloped into a JL store? Unlikely, I suppose, but given the history at that location, it would be somewhat fitting.

Haha do you seriously thing John Lewis would open in there!? Instead of a shiny new shopping development where they can build a store to suit them, and it's more or less guaranteed to attract high footfall. I don't think a gym, sports direct and clintons are the sort of retailers JL would like to be next to :lol:

John Lewis have pulled out of Preston, not Leeds, why the panic? JL won't move into The Core or anywhere else in the centre, unless the can massively remodel. All new JL stores (unless I guess home or Waitrose) are based around the 'selling box', that is several floors, escalators in the middle, no merchandise more than a set distance from entrance/exits or escalators - there's a lot of science goes into it. You'll probably find that the Leeds store will be v. similar to Liverpool and Stratford once inside.

Haha do you seriously thing John Lewis would open in there!? Instead of a shiny new shopping development where they can build a store to suit them, and it's more or less guaranteed to attract high footfall. I don't think a gym, sports direct and clintons are the sort of retailers JL would like to be next to :lol:

Well it was only just over 20 years ago the Core (or Schofields Centre as it was then known) had opened with a new branch of (long standing Leeds department store) Schofields (a part of House of Fraser) intended to anchor that development although (sadly) that store had only lasted six years before closing down in 1996 and started the long decline of that shopping centre. Can't see why John Lewis could not possibly have been interested in that unit (could the entire Schofields Centre / The Core perhaps be converted exclusively into a John Lewis) considering there is certainly the room there and it has it's own car park.

John Lewis have pulled out of Preston, not Leeds, why the panic? JL won't move into The Core or anywhere else in the centre, unless the can massively remodel. All new JL stores (unless I guess home or Waitrose) are based around the 'selling box', that is several floors, escalators in the middle, no merchandise more than a set distance from entrance/exits or escalators - there's a lot of science goes into it. You'll probably find that the Leeds store will be v. similar to Liverpool and Stratford once inside.

What about the old Lewis's / Allders building? That certainly had a fair few floors and escalators in the middle and even if it wasn't to John Lewis's specifications it could easily have been revamped (perhaps retaining the historic fixtures lost with that stores conversion into the Broadgate development and perhaps gaining a covered bridge link to the St Johns Centre Car Park thus ensuring a direct link to a car park which I believe John Lewis are particularly anal about always wanting with their stores.

[=Val Verde;85385282]Well it was only just over 20 years ago the Core (or Schofields Centre as it was then known) had opened with a new branch of (long standing Leeds department store) Schofields (a part of House of Fraser) intended to anchor that development although (sadly) that store had only lasted six years before closing down in 1996 and started the long decline of that shopping centre.



Schofields dept store was on the now Core site for almost 100 years and was not a new branch. It was never incorporated into the Schofields Centre as the store was knocked down when it closed in 1996 to make way for the Schofields centre (now The Core)

[=Val Verde;85385282]Well it was only just over 20 years ago the Core (or Schofields Centre as it was then known) had opened with a new branch of (long standing Leeds department store) Schofields (a part of House of Fraser) intended to anchor that development although (sadly) that store had only lasted six years before closing down in 1996 and started the long decline of that shopping centre.



Schofields dept store was on the now Core site for almost 100 years and was not a new branch. It was never incorporated into the Schofields Centre as the store was knocked down when it closed in 1996 to make way for the Schofields centre (now The Core)

I'm pretty sure there was a reduced revamped Schofields as part of the Schofields Centre when the centre opened.

Yes Schofields occupied 4 floors at the front of the building, the space which lillywhites took over when it closed, hence why it was called the Schofields centre. It was designed as a department store primarily with additional shops on each floor. Problem with this was if you loose the department store then the whole design of the building fails. When the centre was being redesigned it should have been paramount to get a large department store to occupy the old Schofields unit (Fenwicks, relocation of Debenhams or HoF etc) and give the place a good refurb, but stick to the same layout.
Trying to create some sort of circulation through hasn't worked at all.

Yes the Schofields occupied 5 floors at the front of the building, the space wh

Are you alright Tom ? you seem to have stopped in mid sentence.

Schofields department store was knocked down in the mid 80s and the Schofields centre occupying the site from 1989. The department store occupied the new site from then till about 1996. I think though i could be wrong then it moved down to where the old Woolworths was then became House of Friaser though I could have got that part wrong.

Not so sure about that, although somebody has posted that Schofields was part of the HOF group which I didn't know about. I did think there was a branch of Schofields in ether York or Harrogate, but again that might just a figment of my imagination.

From todays YEP:


High street retailer John Lewis has moved to reassure Leeds that it remains committed to the city’s proposed Eastgate Quarter development after pulling out of a similar scheme across the Pennines.


The company withdrew from the £700m Tithebarn shopping development in Preston which means the scheme will now have to be scaled down.

It is understood that John Lewis threw in the towel after proposed job losses at BAE Systems were announced in the area, as well as the economic climate.

But John Lewis says it remains committed to taking on the anchor store at Leeds Eastgate and Harewood Quarter scheme which is being developed by Hammerson.

Click here to register and have your say on the stories and issues that matter to you

The huge project is set to open in 2015 and will rejuvenate the bottom end of the city centre.

John Lewis has agreed to take on a new 260,000 sq ft store there which will be the anchor shop for the proposed £675m project.

Managing director of John Lewis, Andy Street, is due to speak at Tuesday’s Leeds Chamber Business Lunch, which is sponsored by Hammerson, at the Queens Hotel.

A spokesperson for John Lewis said: “We remain in talks with Hammerson, the developer of the Eastgate Scheme, and the city council to bring our plans for Leeds to fruition.”

I've not heard of a Schofields in Harrogate, but apparently John Lewis used to be where Debenhams is now.

Are you alright Tom ? you seem to have stopped in mid sentence.

Thanks for your concern, I knocked the post button by accident, my full post is up now!

I've not heard of a Schofields in Harrogate, but apparently John Lewis used to be where Debenhams is now.

Marshall and Snelgrove (which occupied the Lloyds bank site in Leeds) had a store in Harrogate where Hoopers is now.

Yes Schofields occupied 4 floors at the front of the building, the space which lillywhites took over when it closed, hence why it was called the Schofields centre. It was designed as a department store primarily with additional shops on each floor. Problem with this was if you loose the department store then the whole design of the building fails. When the centre was being redesigned it should have been paramount to get a large department store to occupy the old Schofields unit (Fenwicks, relocation of Debenhams or HoF etc) and give the place a good refurb, but stick to the same layout.
Trying to create some sort of circulation through hasn't worked at all.

It was five floors wasn't it (lower ground, upper ground, 1st floor, 2nd floor, 3rd floor)? Don't remember much about the last incarnation of Schofields although the entrance from the Headrow had Schofields split into two with cosmetics on one side and womenswear on the other I believe.

Schofields department store was knocked down in the mid 80s and the Schofields centre occupying the site from 1989. The department store occupied the new site from then till about 1996. I think though i could be wrong then it moved down to where the old Woolworths was then became House of Friaser though I could have got that part wrong.

Definately agree that the lack of a department store at the Core has certainly led to that centres decline. As for House of Fraser moving to Briggate actually there was a period of several years in the early 1990s that there were two House of Fraser stores in Leeds city centre as it was decided to retain the temporary branch of Schofields at the former Woolworths on Briggate (a store where Schofields were supposed to be based until moving back to their Headrow location with the opening of the Schofields Centre, which was instead retained by House of Fraser and rebranded as Rackhams) alongside the new Schofields on The Headrow, before being rebranded as House of Fraser a short time after the closure of Schofields on The Headrow.

Not so sure about that, although somebody has posted that Schofields was part of the HOF group which I didn't know about. I did think there was a branch of Schofields in ether York or Harrogate, but again that might just a figment of my imagination.

Yup from 1988 until its closure in 1996 Schofields were part of the House of Fraser, although traded under the Schofields name similar to other House of Fraser department stores which traded under different brand names such as Kendals, Rackhams, Binns etc. Also Schofields was from it's founding in 1901 until 1984 owned by the Schofields family who then sold it to the Clayform Property Group (who had raised initital proposals for the redevelopment of the Schofields site).

Marshall and Snelgrove (which occupied the Lloyds bank site in Leeds) had a store in Harrogate where Hoopers is now.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4777705315_17077e7cd5_z.jpg

Indeed that Marshall & Snelgrove in Harrogate was also the location for the Harrogate branch of Schofields (until im guessing until the early 1990s). Did that store trade under any other names in years gone by?

Also Schofields had branches in Sheffield (closed 1982, now the location of Argos) and Skipton (wonder where it was located in Skipton. It isn't where Rackhams is now by any chance?). Wonder if Schofields ever explored any interest in opening anywhere else in years gone by (say Bradford, Huddersfield, York etc or maybe somewhere further afield)?

It was five floors wasn't it (lower ground, upper ground, 1st floor, 2nd floor, 3rd floor)? Don't remember much about the last incarnation of Schofields although the entrance from the Headrow had Schofields split into two with cosmetics on one side and womenswear on the other I believe.



Definately agree that the lack of a department store at the Core has certainly led to that centres decline. As for House of Fraser moving to Briggate actually there was a period of several years in the early 1990s that there were two House of Fraser stores in Leeds city centre as it was decided to retain the temporary branch of Schofields at the former Woolworths on Briggate (a store where Schofields were supposed to be based until moving back to their Headrow location with the opening of the Schofields Centre, which was instead retained by House of Fraser and rebranded as Rackhams) alongside the new Schofields on The Headrow, before being rebranded as House of Fraser a short time after the closure of Schofields on The Headrow.



Yup from 1988 until its closure in 1996 Schofields were part of the House of Fraser, although traded under the Schofields name similar to other House of Fraser department stores which traded under different brand names such as Kendals, Rackhams, Binns etc. Also Schofields was from it's founding in 1901 until 1984 owned by the Schofields family who then sold it to the Clayform Property Group (who had raised initital proposals for the redevelopment of the Schofields site).



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4777705315_17077e7cd5_z.jpg

Indeed that Marshall & Snelgrove in Harrogate was also the location for the Harrogate branch of Schofields (until im guessing until the early 1990s). Did that store trade under any other names in years gone by?

Also Schofields had branches in Sheffield (closed 1982, now the location of Argos) and Skipton (wonder where it was located in Skipton. It isn't where Rackhams is now by any chance?). Wonder if Schofields ever explored any interest in opening anywhere else in years gone by (say Bradford, Huddersfield, York etc or maybe somewhere further afield)?



Rackhams in Skipton was a branch of Brown Muff (Bradford)

I read an article in the Guardian in May about with the person in charge of this development from Hammerton's. When asked a question about the lack of green space he said, there have been several complaints about the lack of green space in the development particularly in the 'Square' and the more detailed plans will include green space and the type of trees used.

Does anyone know if anybody if they've addressed the issues of a lack of green space at this development in their latest plans. Also, I heard they were thinking of placing a fountain in the square, is this true?

the water feature is pretty certain, the green won't be resolved until detailed plans are revealed. Not so sure its the right place to be complaining about green space

I think it might of been more based on retail study's of Preston and not of the UK. They may of decided preston investment may be too risky. Leeds on the otherhand should be classed as a must open location. I'm fully confident John Lewis will open in Leeds it's a opportunity not to be missed for them. Was selfridges originally planning to open in Leeds!? I did not know that.

BAE Systems employs a lot of people around Preston and recently announced redundancies - the job losses and impact on the local economy were probably the final nail in the coffin for the Preston store. I can't see there being any issues with Leeds going ahead.

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/business-news/business-headlines/leeds_has_street_cred_says_john_lewis_boss_1_3950369..

What's happening to the Millgarth Police Station? I heard they want to move to Elland Road. Will this eyesore be demolished oncethe Eastgate Quarter is built?

Interesting to note from the Yorkshire Post's article on John Lewis is that they have been wanting to open a store in Leeds has been apparently the past 30 years. http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/john_lewis_md_s_aim_to_open_flagship_store_in_city_1_3950550

Did John Lewis ever have any proposals other than the plan back in the 1990s to open a store by the Bodington Hall campus to the north west of Leeds? Surely JL could have had an opportunity to open in Leeds in years gone by (taking over Lewis's or Schofields perhaps)? Still John Lewis will surely be a vital addition for Leeds's retail offering whenever Eastgate finally opens hopefully in 2015/6 although that would undoubtedly depend on the economy.

I wonder if they'd been in talks with Land Securities about opening at the White Rose or Trinity (in its conception stages).

Taken from the YEP article posted by di Livio:
And he said that a final decision on the store proposal will be announced in the “not-too-distant” future this winter.

Do they have to agree the S106 before submitting the full planning permission or does the S106 come with or after full planning permission?

EDIT: The decision notice 6/9/11 references a section 106 agreement (link (http://plandocs.leeds.gov.uk/WAM/showCaseFile.do?appName=planning&appNumber=11/01000/OT)). However, it has not been uploaded to the site.

Also from Insider Media (http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/yorkshire/61424-street-reveal-eastgate-attraction/):
Street will speak at the Leeds Chamber Business Lunch, sponsored by Hammerson, which is taking place on Tuesday (8 November) at the Queens Hotel.

"We are delighted to welcome Andy to Leeds to talk about his experiences running one of the biggest retail giants in the UK and his investment plans in the city," said Gary Williamson, chief executive of the chamber.

"The Eastgate and Harewood Quarter is set to open in 2015 and will transform a part of the city centre in need of regeneration, as well as creating thousands of jobs and supply chain opportunities across the city. The John Lewis brand will pay a key role in attracting other retailers into the development and will further bolster Leeds’ positioning as a lead shopping destination."

If the target is now 2015 and not 2016 (see here (http://www.hammerson.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=133289&p=prop-developments)) we will be seeing a lot of activity soon and fast on this one.

Indeed.. I had my doubts it would be completed so soon considering how large it is, but I thought the same with Trinity too, and that looks set to be completed before-schedule too!

I predict a mid 2012 start (demolition/construction), I reckon it'll really take off once the success of Trinity is proven.

Yeah, but if it's 46% prelet then it probably won't have to wait until Trinity opens to start. It can get to over 50% before then surely; hopefully much higher.

I wouldn't be surprised if the 46% is just John Lewis and M&S(?). Although the way John Lewis have been talking lately one would assume they haven't laid down any plans at all and Eastgate is an entirely new project.

All the outline planning application docs have been restored to Public Access. The section 106 dated September 5th has also been uploaded.

(see here (http://plandocs.leeds.gov.uk/WAM/showCaseFile.do?appName=planning&appNumber=11/01000/OT))

There are some really intersting reads particularly the Townscape Assessment, Design Guidelines, Design and Access documents and the Heritage, Design and Access Statement.

All the outline planning application docs have been restored to Public Access. The section 106 dated September 5th has also been uploaded.

(see here (http://plandocs.leeds.gov.uk/WAM/showCaseFile.do?appName=planning&appNumber=11/01000/OT))

There are some really intersting reads particularly the Townscape Assessment, Design Guidelines, Design and Access documents and the Heritage, Design and Access Statement.

And on page 69 of that planning document it suggests up to 117,080 sq m Gross External Floor Area (GEA) retail (A1/A2/A3/A4) in this development, so is it larger than previously thought?

Hammerson executive to attend an event called 'Leeds – Major Developments 2012.' in March next year.

link (http://www.built-environment-networking.com/event/leeds-morjor-developments-2012/)

Hammerson executive to attend an event called 'Leeds – Major Developments 2012.' in March next year.

link (http://www.built-environment-networking.com/event/leeds-morjor-developments-2012/)

Looks like Hammerson (and John Lewis) are really dedicated and serious about Eastgate!! I hope the economy improves or at least holds up so that this scheme can get off the ground!!

The YEP had an interview today with the rector (?) of Bridge Street church, which began with a short paragraph about the church moving to new premises in Burmantofts as a result of the Eastgate Quarters. Surely the people involved with the church wouldn't be talking about moving out unless they know something is imminent.

Their move had been secured before, but I don't think it's a positive thing really. The original plan included space for the church, and I still think that the scheme should include community space rather than just be a shopping and leisure development. The more uses the better, and the more sustainable it is.

The more I hear about uk retail the more I am worried that this development WILL go ahead. Leeds has got really great, admired retail, with a buzzing city centre. Surely this will just turn Leeds in to copies of other uk cities leaving our true city centre filled with bargain and pound shops?

Trinity is definitely a positive scheme , Sevenstone Sheffield is desperately needed, but I dont think Leeds needs Eastgate and it could actually make Leeds a less attractive place to shop.

The more I hear about uk retail the more I am worried that this development WILL go ahead. Leeds has got really great, admired retail, with a buzzing city centre. Surely this will just turn Leeds in to copies of other uk cities leaving our true city centre filled with bargain and pound shops?

Trinity is definitely a positive scheme , Sevenstone Sheffield is desperately needed, but I dont think Leeds needs Eastgate and it could actually make Leeds a less attractive place to shop.

This post must be a contender for the "most ridiculous post of 2011" Sorry GregglesUk but how a £650m development with John Lewis/M & S/over 100 new stores/2500 new car parking spaces will make Leeds a LESS attractive place to shop I just don't understand.

This post must be a contender for the "most ridiculous post of 2011" Sorry GregglesUk but how a £650m development with John Lewis/M & S/over 100 new stores/2500 new car parking spaces will make Leeds a LESS attractive place to shop I just don't understand.

I think Greggles Uk is making the point that the retail experience is not just about the total amount of shops and that there are many other factors to be considered to bring about a pleasant shopping environment.

I think Greggles Uk is making the point that the retail experience is not just about the total amount of shops and that there are many other factors to be considered to bring about a pleasant shopping environment.

....and Eastgate won't deliver this?......come on. It will have new restaurants, new squares with outside cafe's etc

Eastgate will improve Central Leeds in everyway it only take a quick stroll into this part of town to realise just how important and how beneficial eastgate will be not only on the retail side of things but also improving a massive chunk of central Leeds which has been horrendous since i can remember full of derelict buildings and surface car parks...

....and Eastgate won't deliver this?......come on. It will have new restaurants, new squares with outside cafe's etc

Exactly

Eastgate will improve Central Leeds in everyway it only take a quick stroll into this part of town to realise just how important and how beneficial eastgate will be not only on the retail side of things but also improving a massive chunk of central Leeds which has been horrendous since i can remember full of derelict buildings and surface car parks...

Exactly. It's a cesspit down there. One part of the city centre that needs drastic improvement.

Anybody who does not think Eastgate is vital to Leeds is not worth anyone's time.

Eastgate will provide a great shopping experience, with open squares, outdoor cafes and water fountains.

Once Eastgate is completed in 2015, all of Leeds city centre will have been regenerated then, surely? Currently, only the north of the City and Eastgate is pretty shit and neglected.

I think he is saying that Leeds currently has a compact vibrant shopping quarter with very few empty units, compared to most places; building hundreds more units may destroy that. We may end up with lots of existing stores moving to Eastgate and leaving a big hole in other areas of the city centre.

It's a valid concern in my book.

Wow quite harsh reaction to my post.

By the way I do live in Leeds so am not coming on to diss Leeds, it's my favourite city.

Sorry if wasn't clear, of course for east gate area this development will be transformational, in a positive way. I'm just concerned of the effect on the rest of the city when a lot of units relocate to east gate, which is not that central in Leeds.

This has happened in Norwich where i am from, many chain shops have moved to the impressive Chapelfield development , but the existing castle mall and London street areas have gone quite downhill , empty units , the buzz of these areas has deteriorated.

I think the proposed John Lewis and streets leading up to that look positive, but the Mega mall north of the head row im concerned about. Hope this isn't still the worst post of 2011, I just care about Leeds and the existing areas which I think are great.

John Lewis had similar concerns when some of their top bods came to a breakfast event in Leeds a couple of months ago. Their involvement in the Eastgate project apparently hangs quite heavily on there being good public transport infrastrature in place which is one of the reasons it's taking so long for them to arrive in Leeds. they keep a list of all their development projects (ever!) on a whiteboard in one of their main offices and under something like the "1980" expansion areas is Leeds... still on there, not crossed out. if they've waited 30 years to get into Leeds they'll wait a couple more! :)

I think he is saying that Leeds currently has a compact vibrant shopping quarter with very few empty units, compared to most places; building hundreds more units may destroy that. We may end up with lots of existing stores moving to Eastgate and leaving a big hole in other areas of the city centre.

It's a valid concern in my book.

Well said Alexi, I agree with that point of view. I'm really surprised that none of the others could read that into the original post by GregglesUK

I can see where Greggles is coming from but I think the location of Trinity and Eastgate is key. This will ensure footfall between the sites which will mean that demand remains for the existing city centre units. Other areas outside of this like The Light and Merrion Centre should continue to thrive because of their proposition (The Light being food and drink) and target markets (The Merrion Centre aims more at C1DE shoppers).

There will be some key benefts from Eastgate such as drawing more people towards the markets and creating a new pedestrian flow between the St Johns/Merrion Centre and Eastgate. I guess this may result in a refurbishment of the Grand Arcade. Hopefully, any future redevelopment of the market will help improve the pedestrian flow between Eastgate and lower Kirkgate too.

I think we will see a great change in the commercial/ cultural offer in the city after these developments are completed. The Council have alluded to a period of change in several of their documents. It will be interesting to see how landlords of existing units react with their pricing policies.

From planning applications w/c 8th December 2011...

"CITY & HUNSLET

Bibi Investments: change of use to place of worship, 9D Cherry Row, Burmantofts."

is this the church that's moving out of Eastgate?

But existing stores will remain on Briggate.. and any tenants that move can be filled by independents.. I'm not sure why people are worrying about this, the Arndale in Manchester or L1 in Liverpool did not appear to destroy their city centre's.. understandably their city centre's are less compact then ours but the point still stands

Besides, Briggate just does not offer units that certain retailers/companies want (JL, Apple)

Arndale and Liverpool 1 are more central and integrated, like Trinity. Eastgate is on the periphery in an area most people who visit Leeds wouldn't notice was there. I like the linkage with VQ to John Lewis as that seems more a natural progression of the city but the other section north of headrow is more like a seperate part of the city, almost like an out of town experience.

Briggate is not the only street in Leeds. You can see already how much places like the Core and St. Johns are struggling.

And before anyone says anything, I am pro Eastgate.

Can we please bomb St. Johns BTW?

Can we please bomb St. Johns BTW?

We can hope.

Briggate is not the only street in Leeds. You can see already how much places like the Core and St. Johns are struggling.

And before anyone says anything, I am pro Eastgate.

If St Johns is struggling, how come there's no empty units? Sure it's got Poundland and Discount UK but they're popular (and if anything those stores would have probably been more suited to the Merrion if there was available units of their size requirements).

Also, if you're planning to bomb it can you give me advance notice as I work on the 4th floor plskthx :)

Sorry, perhaps I am wrong but whenever I go in there seems to be a high number of stores with closing down or reduced to clear signs.

And regardless if you work there or not, I would still like to see it flattened.

Briggate is not the only street in Leeds. You can see already how much places like the Core and St. Johns are struggling.

And before anyone says anything, I am pro Eastgate.

I go into the St John's every 2 years when my contract ends and I can get a new phone and it is always full of people and doesn't appear to be struggling (even though I personally do not go there).

The Core is an epic fail though. And I would also like to see St john's flattened. Maybe it will get a tart-up like Merrion.

Sorry, perhaps I am wrong but whenever I go in there seems to be a high number of stores with closing down or reduced to clear signs.

And regardless if you work there or not, I would still like to see it flattened.

There's 2 stores with Closing Down Sales (neither appear to be closing down, one in fact even has the disclaimer "This store is not closing down" under its sale signs). The last empty unit is currently being fitted out (looks like another cut price clothes store). St Johns has also transferred operation of the car park from NCP to Q-Park (the Dutch company who operate Criterion Place) and it's getting renovated at the moment.

I wouldn't be surprised if the St Johns is knocked down and replaced in the next 20 years anyway, or at least a tart up like the Merrion Centre as Aaron suggests.

Arndale and Liverpool 1 are more central and integrated, like Trinity. Eastgate is on the periphery in an area most people who visit Leeds wouldn't notice was there. I like the linkage with VQ to John Lewis as that seems more a natural progression of the city but the other section north of headrow is more like a seperate part of the city, almost like an out of town experience.

I think you have won that debate GregglesUK. Aaronj09 has given up along with Sky thingy.

I don't think you can say that the 'Arndale didn't destroy their city centre'. Imagine if half of Leeds' historic shopping core was ripped out and replaced with a 60s mega mall. If you took the Arndale away, what would Manchester be left with?

It is a legitimate concern, but I don't think Leeds is at risk. Eastgate is on the periphery, which is good. Big stores will attract huge pedestrian flows right across the city core as people need to access it from the station and bus stops around the PTB. Trinity will also balance it out, and something devastating would have to happen for the VQ to lose its pull. I think it will only make Briggate busier- but it might become more focused towards leisure and entertainment, and smaller retailers. I don' think this is a bad thing though, it's just a change.

Arndale and Liverpool 1 are more central and integrated, like Trinity. Eastgate is on the periphery in an area most people who visit Leeds wouldn't notice was there. I like the linkage with VQ to John Lewis as that seems more a natural progression of the city but the other section north of headrow is more like a seperate part of the city, almost like an out of town experience.

I think this is why Hammerson plan to pedestrianise Eastgate. I don't think it will end up being like a separate part of the city if that's the case. I mean, the St. John's Centre/Merrion are out of the way but don't feel segregated.

Remember that your concern is similar to how Leeds was fifteen years ago. When Briggate was a busy, congested street, the area east felt a lot poorer. The pedestrianisation of Briggate unified the two halves of the retail core for the long-term good. The same can be repeated in relation to Eastgate.

But existing stores will remain on Briggate.. and any tenants that move can be filled by independents.. I'm not sure why people are worrying about this, the Arndale in Manchester or L1 in Liverpool did not appear to destroy their city centre's.. understandably their city centre's are less compact then ours but the point still stands

Besides, Briggate just does not offer units that certain retailers/companies want (JL, Apple)

According to the history books, despite the fact that the Arndale was built over an already-existing shopping area, it had a profoundly negative effect on Shudehill, Oldham Street, High Street and the area now known as the Northern Quarter in general, and it wasn't until the IRA bomb and post 2000 that those areas started to recover (to some degree).

Sky thingy here with my view on what has been said following my initial surprise of Greggles post.

As a regional shopping centre serving a pop of 2 million people plus, Leeds is able to sustain these new developments alongside the existing shopping core. Because the city has a such a compact shopping district which will actually not expand that much in physical size once Trinity and Eastgate are built, people will be able to shop across the whole city centre easily unlike other city centres which are very spread out.

Sky thingy here with my view on what has been said following my initial surprise of Greggles post.

As a regional shopping centre serving a pop of 2 million people plus, Leeds is able to sustain these new developments alongside the existing shopping core. Because the city has a such a compact shopping district which will actually not expand that much in physical size once Trinity and Eastgate are built, people will be able to shop across the whole city centre easily unlike other city centres which are very spread out.



I've heard many people say this is the beauty of Leeds. It's got so many shopping (and entertainment) facilities in a compact space unlike cities such as Manchester and Birmingham - the latter being very badly pedestrianised city.

Strong arguments on both sides! By the way my original post was brought on by watching Mary Portas on the news, and how high streets need to diversify to fill empty units.

Leeds is certainly one of the top 'destination' shopping places so perhaps it will compensate for displacement of shops with more visitors and additional shops. But I don't buy the argument about attracting that many new retailers to Leeds to fully compensate or that independents (of any quality) will fill the gaps. When I go in Leeds I don't think I need more shops, we have amazing choice. So Hollister, Apple , and John Lewis are good examples where we are lacking, but trinity still has 40% of units to let and is very well connected, and shaping up very nicely.

I think I'll be as excited as the next man to see the construction start though, I agree in terms of transformation it will be something impressive. But I think I'd rather the the effect trinity has on city retail before relaxing about the potential knock on effect around Leeds.

I don't think the argument that 'we have enough shops' is valid. Shops meet demand. If you went by the argument that we don't need more shops, then what's the point in having any shops? After all, we don't need any shops. Even shops that we did once need like supermarkets are now heading towards redundancy with the internet.

But of course shopping is a leisure pursuit more than a necessity, so in that respect, more shops is surely not a bad thing? If it means we have less of something else, then yes it's bad. But a growing city should have a growing, but balanced, range of everything. More shops yes, but also more residential units, more community spaces, more offices, more studios...

I think I'll be as excited as the next man to see the construction start though, I agree in terms of transformation it will be something impressive. But I think I'd rather the the effect trinity has on city retail before relaxing about the potential knock on effect around Leeds.

I agree with both sides to a certain extent and you could argue that the city centre has suffered over the past few years, Trinity and Eastgate almost loomed over the city, preventing smaller scale redevelopment to create new retail space. We haven't seen very many new "big name" stores come to Leeds in the past 18-24 months. The former Borders, The Core, for example, even the last unit in Broadgate took a while to shift.

I have always been confident that Trinity would be a success, it is providing space that Leeds currently lacks. It's main advantage was getting going before Eastgate, which I think has better potential as a development overall, mainly due to the presence of the large M&S and JL anchor units. And has the potential to be more architectually individual and impressive.

With the opening of Trinity and Eastgate, I think it is inevitable that some units will become vacant. HOWEVER I believe footfall is likely to increase as people circulate between Eastgate, VQ, Trinity and the main pedestrian core, a lot of which can be done under cover. I believe the empty units could be an opportunity for independent brands and up and coming chains to get into Leeds, which is already a shopping destination and this will be re-enforced by Trinity and Eastgate.

I genuinely believe that there is demand in Leeds for the larger floor plates modern retail demands and that the smaller, vacated, floorspace will be relatively easy to back-fill with new names.

For the past few years I have said the thing killing our high streets is greedy rental prices on shop units.

I'd like to see areas designated "low unit rent" and the promotion of independent and small chain stores for those units. That way each town centre becomes different again *and* we get to fuel the rise of new large chain stores.

If things continue the way they are and we don't act now, Mary just may be right.

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Could do with a bit of text to accompany di livios photos, or actually any photos that are posted.

I think the JL building is fantastic.. or will be.

I think the JL building is fantastic.. or will be.

The JL building is supposed to have a moving facade isn't it? You can kind of see the "wave" effect on the render above that di posted

^ No, but the pattern in the facade will change from wherever you view it from... So as you walk around it, it may appear to 'move'.

I just had a walk around town today and by heck this area of town is absolutely horrific i be glad to see Eastgate Quarters i tell ya, its going to do wonders for Central Leeds!

and as for the rest of town it felt and looked great today really bustling and such a great atmosphere!

Does anyone know how reflective these are supposed to be of the completed scheme? DiLivo's post did not have a source, or link.

Is the large, darker brown render the car park?

I must say I like the proposed pedestrianisation of Eastgate and the new square, I think those could be great spaces and really link the new area into the current retail core.

I am also pretty keen on the JL render, particularly the link bridge to the car park, this is one area of the scheme that worries me the most, as the vista down Briggate/Eastgate is quite good. The bridge, as rendered, appears to be very light and relatively unobtrusive, as these things go.

Is the large, darker brown render the car park?


It's the proposed Energy Centre that will supply power to the EQ and surrounding area.

^ No, but the pattern in the facade will change from wherever you view it from... So as you walk around it, it may appear to 'move'.
That's all we need, a building that appears to move has you walk towards it.

Something I forgot to mention earlier, I quite like the distinctive look of the JL store, as currently proposed. It reminds me somewhat of Selfridges in Birmingham and while Leeds is fortunate to have many architectural gems in the city centre, it would be great if the JL and Eastgate schemes could become architectural statements in their own right, rather than just another McMall.

It's the proposed Energy Centre that will supply power to the EQ and surrounding area.

Thank you. I remember from the preliminary planning consent that the massing of the car park was one area that the council expressed concern over, given its location near the ring road I thought this may have been the carpark.

Joe Swindells of Hammerson has been confirmed for the first Leeds Curry Club of 2012. The Development Manager for the 1 million sq foot retail scheme Eastgate Quarters will be speaking to attendees about the future of retail in Leeds City Centre, with specific reference to the project.

The Leeds Curry Club saw a record number of attendees in December 2011, and hopes to continue the increase in numbers into 2012. A spokesperson at the firm said; “It’s great to attract such high profile speakers and attendees to our events month on month and we are very grateful of the commitment our regular attendees have shown throughout the year.”

As the Leeds Curry Club takes a break for January, Joe Swindells will be guest speaker on Wednesday 1 February.

from networkinginthecity.co.uk (http://www.networkinginthecity.co.uk/archives/1299)

Hammerson executive to attend an event called 'Leeds – Major Developments 2012.' in March next year.

link (http://www.built-environment-networking.com/event/leeds-morjor-developments-2012/)

Are these two appearances seem part of a coordinated PR campaign?

YEP article (http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/central-leeds/could_2012_be_the_year_when_leeds_makes_a_comeback_1_4115799)
But the local authority has its hopes pinned on the next stage of city centre development, in the form of the vast Eastgate retail scheme being proposed by Hammerson.

Riordan is expecting the developers and their crucial occupant, John Lewis, to make a final commitment within the next few months.

“You could say that a firm date for opening of Eastgate will be decided by April,” he says. “And it’s a full commitment in the sense that they’d have to put forward a detailed planning application and with planning permission they’d start construction – so it is the crunch point, really.”

But in the uncertain climate can we be sure they will make the final commitment? After all, John Lewis last year pulled out of a similar retail scheme in the city of Preston.

“Well, these things happen and the climate is uncertain. Yes, John Lewis have pulled out of places like Preston but they’ve remained committed to Leeds.

Crucial

“So, I’m really confident that John Lewis will come and it will happen. People have been waiting forever for it and naturally there’ll be scepticism, but I’m very confident it will happen. I see it as crucial for the future of the city – we really need John Lewis here.”


and from the YP... (http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/john_lewis_is_winner_in_festive_sales_chart_1_4114020)
John Lewis is planning to open a new store in Leeds in 2015-16 and is expected to make a final decision on whether it will be in the proposed Eastgate Quarter development soon.

I have no doubts that John Lewis are committed to Leeds. Doubts are only born in Hammerson's commitment to Leeds.

It would seem that the signs are positive, but with their current delay, and the delivery of Trinity, are they really that committed? Then agan, they've kept plans despite a deep economic crisis.

Still not convinced by the pedestrianisation of Eastgate- more due to knock on effects on other streets than the improvement to Eastgate itself.

Yeah.. Vicar Lane is going to look even worse then it is now I think when all the traffic is diverted on it..

The Headrow was designed to be able to take high capacities of traffic (before the IRR), so it can take the buses etc.

Vicar Lane, on the other hand, should be a rich shopping street and would be great pedestrianised. It hosts three of the city's main retail attractions, and retailers clearly see it as an overspill of the VQ with Hugo Boss, Flannel and Peter Maturi open there. This should be nurtured and encouraged by pedestrianisation, which would also draw more people into Eastgate.

While the pedestrianisation of Eastgate will bring together the two sides, it will still be separated from the retail core due to Vicar Lane. Surely a huge arcade and two flagship department stores are enough to pull people over the road?

I think the big announcement that everyone is excited about coming up at these business conventions/speeches/dinners or whatever is likely to be as suggested in the YEP just an announcement they will submit detailed planning apps... Still not all that commital. Least it will give us some nice pics to look at for a couple of years though...

Yes I agree No.1, I've always been against pedestrianisation of The Headrow including Eastgate, it was designed to take traffic while Vicar Lane should be like Briggate..

On Wednesday 1st February, Leeds Curry Club's guest speaker is Joe Swindells from Hammerson and will be speaking to attendees about the future of retail in Leeds City Centre and specifically the Eastgate Quarters.

Joe Swindells is the Development Manager for the 1million sq ft retail scheme Eastgate Quarters, as well as handling on-going development and asset responsibilities for shopping centres in Aberdeen and Leicester.
www.networkinginthecity.co.uk or email leicia.feare@forwarn.com for more details.

After todays GDP results, does anyone think Eastgate will still go ahead!! I'm starting to have doubts!!!

Doesn't really matter.. as long as Hammerson and particularly John Lewis are determined to Leeds and the demand for larger units is there, then I have no doubts at all.

not very promising....

He expects to see major announcements about Hammerson’s Eastgate Quarters development in the next 12 months. The £600 million project features a flagship store for the John Lewis Partnership and will extend the city’s retail floorplate by 1 million sq ft.

locateinleeds (http://www.locateinleeds.co.uk/2012/01/%E2%80%98perfect-timing%E2%80%99-for-leeds-large-casino-licence/)

not very promising....



locateinleeds (http://www.locateinleeds.co.uk/2012/01/%E2%80%98perfect-timing%E2%80%99-for-leeds-large-casino-licence/)

In what way doesn't it sound very promising? if you read the whole thing hes just stating that hes expecting major announcements within the next 12 months from hammerson, thats hardly bad news...

In other words he has no clue...

In what way doesn't it sound very promising? if you read the whole thing hes just stating that hes expecting major announcements within the next 12 months from hammerson, thats hardly bad news...

It just sounded rather vague after John Lewis said 2 months (http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/business-news/business-headlines/leeds_has_street_cred_says_john_lewis_boss_1_3950369) ago there would be an announcement this winter and Tom Riordan stating (http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/central-leeds/could_2012_be_the_year_when_leeds_makes_a_comeback_1_4115799) there would be an announcement by April.

On a positive note Hammersons are attending two events in the next 2 months to discuss Eastgate:
Leeds Curry Club (http://www.networkinginthecity.co.uk/archives/1299)
Built Environment Networking Ltd (http://www.built-environment-networking.com/event/leeds-morjor-developments-2012/)

Other forthcoming events include:
Leeds City Centre Panel meeting on 16th Feb (http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeId=173)
Hammerson's publication of their full year results on 24th Feb (http://www.hammerson.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=133289&p=irol-calendar)

Due to expiry on Compulsory purchase orders I think they have to obtain planning permission and start on site this summer. Otherwise they would have to reapply putting the whole thing back a couple of years. Considering the investment made in redesigning and consulting, its unlikely to be delayed.

High end and budget retailers are being broadly successful, its the middle of the retail market that has tended to struggle. Eastgate is high end - 'aspirational' - so is well placed.

Third, those investing in these schemes need to take a long term view - its long term growth projections, not month to month results, that will influence them.

Due to expiry on Compulsory purchase orders I think they have to obtain planning permission and start on site this summer. Otherwise they would have to reapply putting the whole thing back a couple of years. Considering the investment made in redesigning and consulting, its unlikely to be delayed.

High end and budget retailers are being broadly successful, its the middle of the retail market that has tended to struggle. Eastgate is high end - 'aspirational' - so is well placed.

Third, those investing in these schemes need to take a long term view - its long term growth projections, not month to month results, that will influence them.

Some positive words FreddyFresher. Hope you are right. I have always said the future of EQ will be determined by April this year as they would need to be on site within 6 months of then.

Some positive words FreddyFresher. Hope you are right. I have always said the future of EQ will be determined by April this year as they would need to be on site within 6 months of then.

Surely any decision on Eastgate going ahead would surely depend on how the economy pans out over the coming year (things could either go relatively ok or go catastrophically wrong) and of course depend on whether Hammerson's get the funding to complete this development from the banks. Still it would surely need a fair few more pre-lets id have thought on top of John Lewis and Marks & Spencer considering there are still a fair few units to fill at Trinity Leeds and it certainly needs to look more attractive and offer more than just shops imo.

As for these CPO's could they not just be renewed ala a planning permission?

Until I see shovels in the ground in Leeds or Sheffield, or any work at their site in Newcastle (Monument Mall), I'll have real doubts on Hammerson completing any work in the current retail climate.

We'll find out in summer.. if not, then I think we should forget about Eastgate for another few years..

Would seem logical to me that they'll wait to see how Trinity performs for a while before starting work.

Would seem logical to me that they'll wait to see how Trinity performs for a while before starting work.

Why would they do that? makes no sense at all far better to start there own investment, rather than looking at their rival going for success to success:bash::bash:

Would seem logical to me that they'll wait to see how Trinity performs for a while before starting work.

The two projects are substantially different; one is a covered mall in the centre of the retail core offering high street brands to existing shoppers. The other is a major regeneration scheme to expand the city centre and introduce high end brands and a major anchor tenant in John Lewis, attracting in new shoppers to the city. Therefore the success of Trinity may offer little indication of the potential success of Eastgate.

Businesses such as Hammerson will plan their investments long-term and have already committed substantial sums to the Eastgate development. They're not looking at the consumer today, but the consumer in 2015/16.

The two projects are substantially different; one is a covered mall in the centre of the retail core offering high street brands to existing shoppers. The other is a major regeneration scheme to expand the city centre and introduce high end brands and a major anchor tenant in John Lewis, attracting in new shoppers to the city. Therefore the success of Trinity may offer little indication of the potential success of Eastgate.

Businesses such as Hammerson will plan their investments long-term and have already committed substantial sums to the Eastgate development. They're not looking at the consumer today, but the consumer in 2015/16.


Exactly.

Hammerson have said they'll start work in Newcastle in April, since they only picked up the site a few months ago that's pretty fast work!

Hammerson have said they'll start work in Newcastle in April, since they only picked up the site a few months ago that's pretty fast work!

How big is that project compared to EQ?

Much smaller. It's the conversion of an existing dying (though attractive) mall into separate large street facing units.

When confidence in the Eurozone crashed in the summer due to the Western debt crisis it led to dramatic falls in the FTSE.

While the FTSE 100, as a whole, is getting back to pre-August levels (see here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business/market_data/stockmarket/3/twelve_month.stm)), Hammersons share price is currently at a similar level to August (see here (http://www.hammerson.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=133289&p=irol-share-price-chart))

Hammerson full year results are announced on Friday. Let's hope Eastgate gets a mention.

Hammerson (http://www.hammerson.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=133289&p=irol-calendar)

http://www.hammerson.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=133289&p=prol-news-article&ID=1664889&highlight=

The only clues hinted are that the earliest start is 2013.

Sounds as though they need to raise some cash for the Leeds and Sheffield schemes. A 2013 start would seem likely.

Hammerson in office disposal drive
Last updated: 24th Feb 2012 at 08:15am
Share | |

Real estate investment trust Hammerson, the company behind the Eastgate Quarters project in Leeds, has announced plans to sell off its office ventures to concentrate on becoming a retail specialist in the UK and France.

The company announced the change in its strategy through its year-end results to the Stock Exchange this morning (24 February).

Net rental income rose 4 per cent in the year ending 31 December 2011, from £284.7m in 2010 to £296m.

Unveiling plans for its change in strategy, Hammerson said its standing office investments would be sold "to maximise value, with capital redeployed to retail assets, increasing our focus and scale".

The company signed 355 leases over the year totalling 1,130,210 sq ft. This stood at 2 per cent above 2 ERV (UK retail was up 1 per cent, France retail rose 2 per cent and offices were up 7 per cent.)

David Atkins, chief executive of Hammerson, said: "Following the review of our strategy we will focus on being the best owner-manager and developer of retail property within Europe. Hammerson has created a retail business delivering outperformance from prime assets in winning locations.

"We now intend to sell our standing office investments over the medium term to maximise returns, redeploying capital into the retail sector to exploit our expertise and build on our existing scale. This will create efficiencies that lead to further cost savings and income growth from our portfolio."

Hammerson added that it has a new development agreement with Sheffield City Council for Sevenstone and now have control of the development land. Sevenstone has outline planning consent, some of the buildings within the scheme have detailed consent and we are working closely with "principal stakeholders", such as John Lewis.
http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/yorkshire/66629-hammerson-office-disposal-drive/

Robust, flexible financial position. Over £650 million of new credit facilities signed, contributing to liquidity of over £700 million, which combined with gearing of 52% provides flexibility to fund acquisition, extension and development opportunities.

Hammerson 2011 Full-Year Results (http://www.hammerson.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=133289&p=prol-news-article&ID=1664889&highlight=)

A 2013 start would seem likely.

uVu8ce7nkAY

:cheers:

^^

What does it say on the front of that gentleman's tunic?

^^

What does it say on the front of that gentleman's tunic?

his name? ;)

Section 7 Public Transport Impact
6.1. Metro have carried out a detailed analysis of the existing bus operations
affected by the proposals and have confirmed the proposed changes are
acceptable.
6.2. Metro have discussed the proposals with the bus opertators who support the
proposals.
CHECKED BY:
6.3. Some bus services that currently use Eastgate in both directions to terminate at
the bus station will be diverted to the northern section of Vicar Lane, assessed
at 22 buses per hour, the proposed diversion will use New Briggate and the
Headrow to complete the loop. Bus operators could choose an alternative route
if they wished. This represent approximately a third of the eastbound buses
diverted from Eastgate, the remaining two thirds will divert via Vicar Lane,
Kirkgate and York Street to access the bus station or continue to other
destinations to the south of the city.

30 Jun 2011 Consultee HIGHWAYS (https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LHUJ42JB0FZ00&documentOrdering.orderBy=date&documentOrdering.orderDirection=descending)

Subject: Eastgate Quarter – Amendment to Legal Documentation & Commercial
Deal

Summary of main issues
1. In September 2011, after securing revised outline planning permission for the
development at Eastgate, Hammerson approached the Council with a revised
proposal for their development of Eastgate which would help secure the potential
delivery of the main anchor store, John Lewis.
2. To secure the delivery of a John Lewis store, a commercially viable scheme has to
be developed which will enable John Lewis Partnership to be trading by 2016.
Changes will be required to the existing legal documentation. These changes are
now set out in the confidential Appendix A and Plan 1.

This is on the agenda for next weeks LCC Exec Board meeting. It doesn't explicitly say what the change is. However, it looks like the J Lewis side will be built first.

So where will the car park be? The new Elland Road police HQ may be ready by 2014 leaving Millgarth as an opportunity. Alternatively, the area of the open market will be released for speculative development as part of the shriniking of Kirkgate market (see my prediction on this (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=88334665&postcount=4989)).

Agenda (http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=102&MId=5236)

Report (http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=64943)

How specific are JL's requirements?

If not too specific, the 'at grade' car parks that exist might suffice temporarily?

I doubt that the council are keen on building any new car parks around the open market. This is all space that should be part of the core city fabric in the long term, while car parks are ideally on the periphery.

Milgarth is an option if the police move by then though, yes.

I always thought this was the best option for the present situation, divide the scheme into two phases along Eastgate, the only link between the two is the narrow glass bridge so it should be easy to build the first phase without much looking out of place.

Phase one being one side of Eastgate, John Lewis and the outdoor shops leading to VQ, starting late 2012, early 2013, completion 2014/15 with the current china town area car parks being landscaped to look a bit smarter (ala back of the Rose Bowl)

Phase two being other side of Eastgate, car park and mall with M&S as anchor starting hopefully when the economy is looking up a bit.

I prefer this to delaying the whole project indefinitely.

My only worry is that building the anchor first endangers the rest of the scheme from never going ahead.

I prefer this to delaying the whole project indefinitely.

I agree. If you think about it, the Harewood Quarter scheme has been delayed longer than Trinity was. Leeds isn't deperate for a John Lewis, but it is in need of the Harewood Quarter. I don't know why all the elements of EQ have to be built almost at the same time.

I agree. If you think about it, the Harewood Quarter scheme has been delayed longer than Trinity was. Leeds isn't deperate for a John Lewis, but it is in need of the Harewood Quarter. I don't know why all the elements of EQ have to be built almost at the same time.

As stated a few times on the thread, the reason is that without JL there is no scheme. But without a covered car park with direct access to the store, no JL. So JL and the car park must be completed at the same time. The car park is built upon the mall that comprises the rest of the scheme, so, building the car park forces you to build the mall.

In sum, you have to build pretty much all at once.

But perhaps this is how the scheme has been modified, so that the car park is on the JL side; or alternative there will be more than one car park.

It was reported recently on here that they had 46% (if I recall correctly) of space signed up for; not sure if that's through M&S and JL, or if more retailers are signed up, but if it's just JL/M&S then it means once the Harewood side is built, the Templar Arcade side is resting on M&S... who don't really need a new store in Leeds, even though a larger one would be nice.

I agree. If you think about it, the Harewood Quarter scheme has been delayed longer than Trinity was. Leeds isn't deperate for a John Lewis, but it is in need of the Harewood Quarter. I don't know why all the elements of EQ have to be built almost at the same time.

I would have thought Leeds has long been desperate for a John Lewis particularly since the demise of one time Leeds department store giants of Schofields and Lewis's / Allders.

Still the Eastgate scheme really does need more than just retail imo in a bid to give more life to the place than just a place for shopping. I guess it is still up in the air as to whether it will finally commence construction in 2013 considering the state of the economy in relation to the struggling retail sector in particular and the wider national wider economy generally. I would be interested to see how the likely to be soon vacated Millgarth police station would play into plans for Eastgate as surely I can't see the developers building Eastgate whilst leaving Millgartth Police Station derelict or as an empty void.

I beleive that JL and M & S are the linchpins to this project and would be happy for these 2 developments go ahead with a multi storey car park and nothing else at this stage. JL would be a major attraction for Leeds and bring in many shoppers and money to the city. Whatever LCC do now, they can't lose the opportunity for them to be in their shiny new Leeds store by 2016. Shops or no shops, just lets make sure JL comes to Leeds ideally with M & S and the car park built too.

I would be interested to see how the likely to be soon vacated Millgarth police station would play into plans for Eastgate as surely I can't see the developers building Eastgate whilst leaving Millgartth Police Station derelict or as an empty void.

Isn't there a stipulation that whatever is built on the Milgarth site cannot cover the beck/ stream so the designers will need to take that into consideration

JL have pulled out of Sevenstone. Could interpret that as a bad sign, but on the contrary I hope that can only be a good sign for Leeds, showing they want to focus on getting a Leeds store open as their priority.

JL have pulled out of Sevenstone. Could interpret that as a bad sign, but on the contrary I hope that can only be a good sign for Leeds, showing they want to focus on getting a Leeds store open as their priority.

I wouldn't say pulled out is the right word. They have confirmed that they will be staying where they are (which has been on the cards for at least 18 months). It sounds as though they are going to look to start to refurb prior to Sevenstone getting underway, however

The point still stands; Hammerson are now without their key anchor at Sevenstone.

http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/business/local-business/john_lewis_ready_to_stay_in_shop_rethink_1_4302838

If you read the atricle it doesn't actually say that. This is probably the reason for the revised budget for the project

Isn't there a stipulation that whatever is built on the Milgarth site cannot cover the beck/ stream so the designers will need to take that into consideration

Correct.

John Lewis will be staying at there current location, there not moving to Sevenstone.

The above is not really anything new. its been on the cards for months. yes john Lewis will not be moving to a new store however as most of the land for sevenstone wraps around jl they are still very much party to the discussions/planning

Isn't this why the development has been cut in half though.

I don't think looking at what JL are doing in other locations is hugely helpful. I accept that if JL is contracting, fair enough, but it is not. They are still rolling out their smaller format stores and JL at home. Leeds is almost a case independent of the macro economic environment. It is a retail destination, in its own right, with a large and relatively wealthy population, both within the city and in the hinterland. JL have absolutely no presence whatsoever in the region and strategically 'need' one. Of all the stores that may be in danger of never happening, I don't think Eastgate is one of them. They have had multiple opportunities to relocate to the likes of The Core or Lewis's.

Over the years there have been a few proposals for this site, of course the latest one being the JL store in the "bread bin", to the south of Eastgate, with Templar Arcade to the North and the carpark abutting the IRR. If Hammerson want to deliver JL and a car park, I think an earlier design, with JL to the North of Eastgate might have to be dusted off? Are there any renders of the earlier incarnations? What was the plan for Hogy's and when JL was to be part of the Eastgate development proper?

The EB agenda (http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=102&MId=5236) item on Eastgate next week is about delivering John Lewis by 2016 and having to change the legal documents. If it was for full planning permission would there be so much cloak and dagger (Nb there are several financial docs not included)?

Report (http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=64943)

CBRE who were a major player in helping Hammerson deliver the outline application have recently stated that Hammerson may deliver the scheme in two phases (see top of page 2 (https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/files/00C6282CAC7D8B3120BA2DF0C09BDE11/pdf/12_00382_FU-VIABILITY_STATEMENT-550402.pdf))

John Lewis are committed to Leeds (http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/yorkshire/61680-john-lewis-determined-realise-store-dreams/index.html).

etc (http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/business-news/business-headlines/leeds_has_street_cred_says_john_lewis_boss_1_3950369) etc (http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/central-leeds/could_2012_be_the_year_when_leeds_makes_a_comeback_1_4115799)

A John Lewis would require an adjacent car park.

Car park opportunities if only south of Eastgate is developed:
- Millgarth Police Station - New Elland Rd police station by 2014 meaning Millgarth is free. The beck however causes problems for development.

- Kirkgate Open Market - Consultants recommendation was to shrink Leeds Market and create a speculative development opportunity on the current open market site. Site is opposite proposed John Lewis. Also FOLKM have been consulted on the Hammerson proposal going to EB next week and have still to comment on their blog about EB agreeing to shrink the Market. Also a future terminus for NGT.

- Current car park on north side of Eastgate. No direct connections to JL

- Recent extension for planning permission for car park at Quarry Hill. No direct connections to JL

- an other??????

Is Something Fishy Going on in the Eastgate Scheme
March 3, 2012

Hot on the heels of Leeds City Council’s crazy decision to reduce the size of Kirkgate Market by 25% as part of a remodelled market click here we learn that the adjacent Eastgate retail scheme could now be in trouble.

Development giants, Hammerson are asking the council – and the city to bend over backwards to make sure that John Lewis are part of the planned Eastgate shopping mall. A confidential document will be considered by councillors this week but the proposed changes will not be made public and will be discussed at a private pre meeting of the council’s Executive Board.

Readers will recall that ‘Eastgate‘ is a £650m retail development covering a 1 million sq ft area that involves demolishing most of the existing Eastgate Terraces and iconic buildings like the Lyons Works Factory to make way for new John Lewis and Marks & Spencer stores and some 130 new shops, restaurants and bars. Having already been delayed once and forced to abandon a residential substantially revised due to the global financial crisis, a new outline planning application was approved in September 2011.

Friends of Leeds Kirkgate Market along with the Market Traders Federation and about 180 traders/members of the public actively opposed the Eastgate scheme due to major concerns about its likely impact on the Market. One of these objections concerned the design of the John Lewis store which turned its back on the Market and the potential traffic chaos on George Street as a result of John Lewis traffic and the creation of a new one-way traffic system. Another concern was the potential lack of demand for yet more shops in Leeds City Centre particularly in times of economic crisis. But Hammerson presented consultancy reports that assured the council and the public that the project was commercially viable. Now we learn in this new report that in fact to make the John Lewis store commercially viable “Changes will be required to the existing legal documentation”. What changes? John Lewis clearly has doubts over the scheme.

Shortly after the Eastgate plans were given outline planning permission last year, John Lewis chief exec Andy Street said: “To bring the huge retail regeneration of the city centre of the scale of Eastgate, this isn’t just about John Lewis, lots of other things in the background have got to come together. That’s what we keep saying to the chief executive and leader of Leeds City Council. You’ve got to make that context happen so Hammerson can deliver their commercial piece.” (LeedsBusinessDeskinterviewNovember 2011)

Friends of Leeds Kirkgate Market only heard about these proposed changes from the LeedsCitizen blog so we read with surprise in the report going to Executive Board that “Meetings have been held on a regular basis with the Civic Trust, the Kirkgate Market Forum (traders & members) and there has been dialogue with the Friends of the Kirkgate Market” (paragraph 4.1.1.).

FOLKM had one meeting with Hammerson on the 1st of June last year – a 40 minute power point presentation and a frustrating session where we asked questions which Hammerson didn’t or couldn’t answer. This can hardly be described as “dialogue”.

Is this an attempt to convince John Lewis that everyone is on board and waiting to welcome them to the city with open arms? What is it that would make our city a more attractive proposition for John Lewis? How will it affect the market? Why is John Lewis calling the shots over this scheme? Why are these decisions and discussions taking place behind closed doors?

FOLKM (http://kirkgatemarket.wordpress.com/)

^^^^

Where has this report come from?

Is it this one..?
http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/mgConvert2PDF.aspx?ID=64943

I'm sure most would agree that FOLKMs comments are silly and ill-thought through.

I believe that what is good for Leeds is a whole is good for the market. Therefore if Eastgate is going to attract millions more people into the City, and to a site right next to the market, more people will visit the market.

When I last went to Birmingham, I visited the Bullring, but on exiting I saw the market and had a look round that. I probably wouldn't have even bothered going were it not for the Bullring. Eastgate will do the same for the market.

They'll need to find a better concern than traffic on George Street. Bad traffic might make for an unpleasant environment, but it doesn't stop people from crossing. Vicar Lane hasn't created a barrier between the market and the rest of the centre, nor has The Headrow. In terms of demand, well we all know that vacancy rates in Leeds are down to unsuitable floorplates, not a lack of desire for shops to trade here.

Well whatever Hammerson proposed was approved today by the Council's Executive Board. Glad Cannes got to hear about it first. Anyone got Business Desk registration for the full article?

Delegates also heard that Leeds City Council’s executive board has agreed the principal terms of a new development agreement with Hammerson, the developer of the Eastgate Quarters scheme, that could bring forward the building of a John Lewis store on the site.

BusinessDesk (http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire/news/293159-mipim-2012-deal-for-bruntwood-as-ez-gets-funding-boost.html?news_section=7#)

Mr. Dave... from the Official Leeds Thread 7... :)


From the business desk website:

Some interesting stuff here:


BRUNTWOOD could complete a major deal to acquire a property in Leeds by the end of this week, the company's chief executive has announced.

Delegates also heard that Leeds City Council’s executive board has agreed the principal terms of a new development agreement with Hammerson, the developer of the Eastgate Quarters scheme, that could bring forward the building of a John Lewis store on the site.

And funding for a £2.5m spine road that will help to open up and accelerate development of the Logic Leeds site of the Aire Valley enterprise zone in Leeds is also in the process of being agreed.

Speaking at MIPIM, the international property conference being held in Cannes this week, Chris Oglesby said the commercial property company was also on the look-out to acquire other premises in the West Yorkshire city.

Mr Oglesby said: "We're about to announce a signifcant acquisition in Leeds. Hopefully we'll be exchanging contracts on the acquisition by Friday."

Mr Oglesby said he was not in a position to disclose the identity of the property but said Bruntwood was looking to refurbish it and make it available to tenants within a short timeframe.

Speaking at an event focusing on investment and development opportunities in Leeds city centre, Mr Oglesby said Bruntwood's portfolio in the city was 99% occupied.

He said the Manchester-based company "would love to get involved" with Sovereign Street, the Leeds City Council-led project that is set to become home to KPMG in Yorkshire.

However, he added: "But whatever happens we see ourselves as active partners to make sure the scheme works."

Bruntwood's 390,000 sq ft portfolio in Leeds includes West One and 14 King Street. The company also owns City House above Leeds train station and Mr Oglesby called on tenants to come forward so Bruntwood could begin to modernise it.

Mr Oglesby said: “The acid test of the strength of a market is how it performs in difficult times and I’m pleased to say that the performance of properties such as Kings Street has given us great confidence in Leeds.

“Across our portfolio in the city we are 99% let. It’s a nice problem to have but we need more product and Bruntwood is looking to acquire new property in Leeds. We expect to make a major announcement about a new acquisition within the next week.”

Martin Farrington, director of city development at Leeds City Council, outlined some of the major opportunities within Leeds.

Mr Farrington said: “The Leeds Arena is having a catalytic effect on development in the northern quarter of the city, with Town Centre Securties, Mars Pension Fund and Bruntwood bringing forward development proposals on properties and sites surrounding the arena.”

He added: “In the out of town market, we are now in mature discussions on council-owned development sites at Thornes Farm, which will bring new occupiers to the Aire Valley Leeds enterprise zone.

“The council’s executive board is giving formal approval for the Aire Valley enterprise zone, which goes live at the beginning of April, and it is agreeing funding for a £2.5m spine road that will open up and accelerate development of the Logic Leeds site on the scheme, with direct access to the East Leeds Link Road, the national motorway network and surrounding residential communities.”

John Flathers, partner and head of real estate at law firm Irwin Mitchell, told delegates: “As with any investment it is about what you are prepared to put in. For me, Leeds is a powerful city with a strong identity that has quietly been building its future growth.

“Irwin Mitchell set up in Leeds in 1993 and has grown from a team of three to employ 225 people today with a turnover of £30m and 35,000 sq ft of offices at MEPC Wellington Place.

“Leeds is a place that provides you with all the facilities needed to grow your business with, not just alongside the city.”

Leeds City Council’s executive board yesterday approved the amendments to the agreement with Hammerson after a report from officers said the changes were necessary to secure the involvement of the development’s flagship store John Lewis.

The Leeds City Region MIPIM delegation is headed by Neil McLean, chairman of the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The delegation is managed by Marketing Leeds and is supported by Muse Developments, Keyland and Evans Property Group, key landowners and developers within the Aire Valley Leeds enterprise zone, as well as law firms Addleshaw Goddard and Irwin Mitchell, who have travelled as ambassadors with the delegation.
Next Article

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/lewis-sees-brighter-summer-on-high-street-1-4322192

Sorry, if this has been posted aleady. Looks like the make or break stages for Eastgate now. Hope this scheme gets off the ground.

So is this what all the cloak and daggers was about?

Reference 12/9/00055/MOD
Address Eastgate And Harewood Quarter Leeds LS2
Proposal Outline application for major redevelopment, including demolition, involving mixed use to provide retail stores, restaurants, bars and offices (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and B1 Use Classes), gym (D2 Use Class), medical centre, creche, multi-faith prayer room (D1 Use Classes), changing places toilet facilities; with new squares and public realm, landscaping, car parking and associated highway works NON MATERIAL AMENDMENT to 11/01000/OT: Amendment to description to refer to leisure use (D2 use class) instead of gym (D2 use class)
Status Pending Consideration
Appeal Status No data

Planning docs are here (https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=M16SEMJB0FQ00). The relevant paperwork hasn't actually been uploaded yet.

Leeds Eastgate
Added 23/03/2012

Chetwoods have been shortlisted as part of a Hammerson-led design competition for the new John Lewis Department store in Leeds’ Eastgate development which has been master planned by ACME (illustrated).

http://chetwoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Eastgatemasterplannews.jpg

Alongside a strong field of notable practices including ACME, John McAslan, Glenn Howells and Jeremy Dixon, design ideas have been submitted for consideration by the developer, occupier and Leeds City Council.

chetwoods (http://chetwoods.com/2012/03/leeds-eastgate/)

Shouldn't this have been done ages ago though....

I thought John Lewis were going for something based on the ACME yellow brick design shown a while back?

http://www.acme.ac/sites/default/files/styles/850x500/public/012-ACME-JLP-Leeds-01_1.jpg

Has that design been ditched as personally speaking I would rather if any proposal for Eastgate matched in with the older high quality Blomfield stuff whilst being of a highly modern appearance imo? Also any word on whether the Millgarth Police station could be incorporated into the Eastgate development (could John Lewis be sited on that) and surely a third anchor in addition to John Lewis and Marks and Spencer could potentially open on the north eastern corner of Eastgate where there appears to be two large units perhaps allowing for room to be made into one department store sized unit?

http://chetwoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Eastgatemasterplannews.jpg

Still it would be interesting to see whether or not Eastgate goes off the ground in the next couple of years as something surely needs to fill in that long empty void in the east of the city centre although I still think more of the old buildings need to be retained and how much demand is there for retail space considering a lot of demand would surely have been satisfied by the upcoming Trinity Leeds development and it would be better if there is to be more office and residential as part of this development as opposed to just shops.

Ironically Eastgate was scaled down due to the recession, but with Trinity filling up nicely Eastgate seems more viable with an office and residential element.

Will be interesting to see whether the development starts within the year. The quoted 47% pre-let been primarily John Lewis and M&S, the latter presumably seeing some sort of rent enticement what with a large store already on Brigate.

With the new police HQ being built on the old Elland Road greyhound track we could see Milgarth gone quite sooner and included in the Eastgate master plan. If someone was smart about this and really wanted to get JL into Leeds then this would be the perfect site for the JL car park. I would be surprised if we hear something to this effect in the next few months (unless I'm completely wrong of course!! :D)

It was only outline permission that was secured last year. All the renders were only indicative.

If the designs for John Lewis are being shared with the council it suggests that a full planning application is on the way. One hopes.

I wonder how many different parts the scheme has been partitioned into for tendering architects?

has something happened regarding the potential use of the Milgarth site as the John Lewis car park? saw this on the Leeds Citizen blog...

http://theleedscitizen.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/lost-car-park-near-millgarth-police-station-substantial-reward/

Interestingly Chetwoods have taken down the web page I quoted last month. Were they being naughty in advertising the design competition?

Leeds Eastgate
Added 23/03/2012

Chetwoods have been shortlisted as part of a Hammerson-led design competition for the new John Lewis Department store in Leeds’ Eastgate development which has been master planned by ACME (illustrated).

http://chetwoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Eastgatemasterplannews.jpg

Alongside a strong field of notable practices including ACME, John McAslan, Glenn Howells and Jeremy Dixon, design ideas have been submitted for consideration by the developer, occupier and Leeds City Council.

chetwoods (http://chetwoods.com/2012/03/leeds-eastgate/)

Community Infrastructure Levy: will it affect development?

Planning
Localism, planning reform and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) are all likely to feature strongly in 2012. Recently, Nabarro advised Hammerson on the successful planning application for the £600m Eastgate Quarters scheme in Leeds, where a 17 acre Brownfield site will be developed into 1m square feet of mixed-use space, anchored by John Lewis.

“The positive decision from Leeds City Council this year affirms the importance of Eastgate Quarters, which has the potential to truly transform this part of the city. The regeneration of the site will lift Leeds in the retail hierarchy, create considerable employment opportunities, deliver statement architecture and strengthen Leeds’ status as a leading European city.”
Joe Swindells, Hammerson

The introduction of the CIL in Leeds came too late to impact on this scheme. As CIL comes into force, it remains to be seen whether schemes will become unviable or not brought forward as a result of the impact of CIL.

nabarro.com (http://www.nabarro.com/Downloads/2012-Challenging_Times_Real_Estate.pdf)

How much would the CIL have been on Eastgate?

^^

Hm, the Chetwoods plan above is impressive. Looks like M&S, highlighted in red, would revive the scraggy section of Vicar Lane.

Isn't there some decision that's going to be made by the end of the month about whether Eastgate goes ahead or not, seem to think I read about that in the YEP week before last.

Do we know what these 'design ideas' might be? I can't say whether they're impressive yet, but the plan looks fine- what I was expecting.

One concern though- will Harewood Street be a dead space with no units fronting onto it? It's just a backstreet for Vicar Lane isn't it?

Anyone know the latest on this development? Haven't heard much in the last few months - that's not a good sign!!!

Starting to have my doubts that this will go ahead now we're back in recession.

I think the 2015 opening date is a load of poppycock.

Starting to have my doubts that this will go ahead now we're back in recession.

In and out like a yoyo, its all a load bull.

I think the 2015 opening date is a load of poppycock.

As in timescale to build it or because of demand?

Timescale to build. I think demand is there though. :)

Small new eye level pic of the potential view of the Harewood Courts side of Eastgate running along George Street.

http://kirkgatemarket.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/eastgate-leaflet-4.jpg

At least reassuring that some of the units will face the side of the markets, bringing that street to life somewhat... Just shame JL won't have entrance doors on that side too...

It'll be undermined by the market block shops if the redevelopment plan doesn't go ahead though.

One side of the street high standard glass fronted shops, the other 60s style suburban buildings.

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/lifestyle/columnists/rod-mcphee-eastern-promise-1-4530385

Wasn't sure where to put this folks but looks really interesting. Didn't know about this at all.

Totally agree with the author of the article who suggests that this part of Leeds city centre could become the equivalent of Manchester's Northern Quarter. If developed in the right way this could be something great.

When Millgarth closes both ends of the Headrow - Eastgate Axis will have lost their police HQs in short order. The "for sale" signs are up on the police station in Westgate.

When Millgarth closes both ends of the Headrow - Eastgate Axis will have lost their police HQs in short order. The "for sale" signs are up on the police station in Westgate.

So glad it's going!! It is defo contender the ugliest building in Leeds and probably in Yorkshire!!


What do you all think should be built on Millgarth Police HQ!!

There was a tower proposed for the Millgarth Police station site.. I'd like to see it built, it would fit in well with Eastgate and would look amazing from the Headrow.. doubt that will happen though.

the last I heard from my "sources" was that Milgarth would be replaced by a carpark for John Lewis so that at least half of the Eastgate scheme could be built but that was a month or so ago.... so its anyone's guess now ;)

Yep I heard that too.

So glad it's going!! It is defo contender the ugliest building in Leeds and probably in Yorkshire!!


What do you all think should be built on Millgarth Police HQ!!

Defo ugly,but built for a purpose.

The purpose being that it is easy to defend in a siege,it is very similar to a Norman keep in that it has resrtriced access to the upper levels,very similar to Backpools old (contemporary to Millgarths) police station.

So the beauty is in its purpose in this instance.

So glad it's going!! It is defo contender the ugliest building in Leeds and probably in Yorkshire!!


That and the Yorkshire Evening Post building :puke:

Defo ugly,but built for a purpose.

The purpose being that it is easy to defend in a siege,it is very similar to a Norman keep in that it has resrtriced access to the upper levels,very similar to Backpools old (contemporary to Millgarths) police station.

So the beauty is in its purpose in this instance.

didn't it have to be built like that because they weren't allowed to cover the beck/stream/puddle? :) i'm sure they would've gone for a more normal looking option had they been given the chance

didn't it have to be built like that because they weren't allowed to cover the beck/stream/puddle? :) i'm sure they would've gone for a more normal looking option had they been given the chance

Indeed the beck is there,but you will notive that apart from the street level entrance the other entrances are surrounded by high walls and narrow access ramps to the upper floor,easy to defend in a potential situation where the station may come under some sort of attack.

That and the Yorkshire Evening Post building :puke:

Add the 1960's part of Leeds University to that list. I really hope the Grade 2 listed status is revoked one day!! Can't stand that part of the university!!! :ohno:

Which part? I think all of the Uni of Leeds looks good, even those brutalist buildings.

Add the 1960's part of Leeds University to that list. I really hope the Grade 2 listed status is revoked one day!! Can't stand that part of the university!!! :ohno:

You're wrong

Indeed the beck is there,but you will notive that apart from the street level entrance the other entrances are surrounded by high walls and narrow access ramps to the upper floor,easy to defend in a potential situation where the station may come under some sort of attack.

What did the West Yorkshire Police have in mind when developing Milllgarth Police Station to prevent such attacks? Could Prison breaks, terrorist attacks or even political insurrection have factored into the design?

Also it says a lot that by the 1970s police stations such as Millgarth were so ugly even though police stations from the 1950s such as Brotherton House in the other end of Leeds city centre were and still are attractive buildings. Millgarth police station certainly is an eyesore that won't be missed provided it isn't left as an empty plot for years. Also a lot of Millgarths ugliness comes from the fact it was designed for the skybridges which were planned to be built around Leeds City Centre but thankfully had largely never been constructed except for those now demolished which were built around City Square.

Also I would certainly keep the 1960s buildings of the University of Leeds listed imo considering they are such strong architecture of their era.

You're wrong

Not for the first time either!

I think the rumours of the entrances to Milgarth police station being on the first floor to prevent a siege are urban myths.

I believe the real reason is that there was a 1980's or 70's proposal for a shopping centre on the Eastgate site, which was going to be joined at first floor level to the police station.

The shopping centre was never built, and this left the police station with the problem of all it's entrances on the upper floors...

Add the 1960's part of Leeds University to that list. I really hope the Grade 2 listed status is revoked one day!! Can't stand that part of the university!!! :ohno:

The '60s extensions are awesome. Merrion House is the real abomination.

Today's Independent mentions that Hammerson are again the subject of takeover speculation. Apparently there is talk of a Middle East Sovereign Wealth Fund.

I don't know whether to interpret that as good or bad news. Good in so far it would bring money into the company, but could come with major changes to their development plans around the UK including at Eastgate.

[QUOTE=Val Verde;91673738]What did the West Yorkshire Police have in mind when developing Milllgarth Police Station to prevent such attacks? Could Prison breaks, terrorist attacks or even political insurrection have factored into the design?
QUOTE]

Probably all of the above and possibly invasion by a foreign aggressor and also the possibility that a particular type of prisoner,say an IRA type,could be kept securely.

As i said,the Blackpool police station,a contemporary to Millgarth,is constructed in a similar way to a Mediaeval castle keep,so perhaps the thinking of the design was more on a national level rather than a local police force level.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rossendalewadey/4158404828/

http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1047198

This may have well been part of the thinking in designing the building, but main reason, as has been already stated, that i was built to adjoin a shopping development with access at first floor level. The design isn't overly inspiring as it was to be covered by this development on at least one side, if you look closely theres a hole in the wall of Millgarth where this attachment would be made.

Wonder if the Park st Bridewell will become a police station?, at the moment there's no public entrance/reception area and you have to contact the desk by intercom from outside! Belle view rd in Hyde park is closing too i've heard. I'd have thought they would want to keep a presence around here with it being top of the burglary league.
On those Brutalist 60's uni buildings, they are unique and Leeds should be proud, as with Broadcasting house they have a great sculptural quality to them.
There's an urban myth that some scenes in A Clockwork Orange were filmed around there..

Isn't Belle Vue the base for NW Inner Hyde Park? Which must mean it is being merged with NW Inner?

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100428141142/http://westyorkshire.police.uk/npt/images/large/forcemap.jpg

http://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/sites/default/files/imagecache/division_map/divmap/north-west-leeds-region_1.png

The '60s extensions are awesome.

Are you joking or being serious? I love the red brick Victorian buildings and the Parkinson Building but the 60's part of the university is just UGLY!!!!!! :ohno: