Morrisons needs sorting out- the steps are quite dangerous with no railings/grip surface and don't look particularly good either. There's always taxis blocking up the roadway and car park entrance too- this needs to be addressed.

Plus you've got to step over ten or twenty people who are sitting on the steps waiting for taxis...

Anyway - bit garbled, but just wanted my say on this much criticised centre!

It has it's charms, but to most people (mainly students coming into Leeds down Woodhouse Lane), it is a total eyesore (when coupled with Merrion House). Doesn't encourage an image of Leeds as a modern progressive city.

Always wondered how this part of town would have turned out if the red-brick buildings had been left standing.


(the building on the right is where the St. John's centre is now, flanking merrion Street.)
http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/44/844.jpg


(the Odeon banner refers to a 1930s art deco cinema that was never built)
http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/02/2002531_13482302.jpg


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/87/2002819_70615787.jpg


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/90/4490.jpg

It has it's charms, but to most people (mainly students coming into Leeds down Woodhouse Lane), it is a total eyesore (when coupled with Merrion House). Doesn't encourage an image of Leeds as a modern progressive city.

To be realistic, they could never have replaced every major building and shopping mall in the last ten years! It is was it is, and if students don't like it then they will just have to go to another city and look at their remaining '60s structures instead.

Everywhere, even the richest cities will have a balance of high value, average value and low value areas, to mirror the population. In Leeds I think the balance is good, but as with every city some relatively cheaper rental areas will always be required. They cannot be removed completely, only perhaps reduced and displaced. At the moment, the Merrion Centre is one of these, as is the area around Kirkgate.

To be realistic, they could never have replaced every major building and shopping mall in the last ten years! It is was it is, and if students don't like it then they will just have to go to another city and look at their remaining '60s structures instead.

Everywhere, even the richest cities will have a balance of high value, average value and low value areas, to mirror the population. In Leeds I think the balance is good, but as with every city some relatively cheaper rental areas will always be required. They cannot be removed completely, only perhaps reduced and displaced. At the moment, the Merrion Centre is one of these, as is the area around Kirkgate.

Quite right. It's just a shame that the Merrion is on such a prominent location and seems to contradict all the talk of gateways to the centre being welcoming etc.

Although we all lament the state of the Merrion now, LeedsLad makes an excellent point. Throughout its history it's led the way. It was the first covered shopping mall in Britain and provided the multiple, round-the-clock uses that few ever matched.

Much of my formative life was spent there, shopping, drinking, dancing, watching movies. When I was a kid, my dad always parked at Woodhouse Lane (which I thought was fantastic then) and we walked down to the Merrion. The first nightclub I ever went to was the Phono (spent £7 that night and thought it would bankrupt me). I even had my 18th birthday at Bali Hai. I smashed Greek plates at Christmas parties. Spent many hours in a bowling league there. I got T-shirts for my stag do done in the market.

But the last 45 years haven't done much for its looks and it's a bit of a dump now. Hopefully they make a piecemeal job of restoring it, because they're not going to knock it down, are they?

Woolworths is soon to become a "home bargains" store. :|

The Merrion is dated and I think a major overhaul is needed (not just the current cosmetic improvements). But it certainly has it's uses- and it has lots of useful shops in it- the sort of shops that actually are a service, rather than shops for leisure shopping.

I would propose the demolition of Merrion Market. It would then be rebuilt, either by adding another level to the Merrion (or using the upper level more effectively). If not it could be rebuilt on the key site- but the key thing is that I think a market there is good, but it's very cut off from the main centre and very easy to pass; this should be addressed more than anything.

The Merrion occupies so much space but is so low rise. It's wasted space really. A structure at least the same height as the SJ centre or Headrow House would be more suitable for the site- particularly the southern end. However, although it doesn't satisfy urban realm that much and perhaps does provide an ugly welcome to the city centre from Woodhouse Lane, Central Leeds still remains significantly better quality in its urban realm, cleanliness and layout than other city centres.

There is plently in that is in need of a refresh, you have to remember though that the place has pretty much remained unchanged for 45 years, so it's done well!

The basic layout of the Merrion is pretty good i think, apart from the strange arcade thing round the back of Morrisons and the now pointless subway entrance. The inside needs a through look at, maybe a similar roof to Trinity could be adopted to give a more modern appearance, also the floors need levelling properly (they are all over the place as originally there was no roof and drainage was needed) and some new modern shop fronts need to be installed. Regarding the exterior, the whole lot needs doing, Merrion House seems alright to me, but Wade House needs a reclad urgently. It's currently got netting on it due to the white mosiacs falling off!

I love the Merrion Centre - it's got character!

The Merrion Centre suffers I think from a lack of sustained investment and a simultaneous chipping away at the original character of the 1960s/70s original. As a result, the 'character' of the centre has been eroded, but it hasn't been properly modernised either, so it feels like a great big half and half lump.

I agree. The thing that needs addressing the most is the everchanging floor levels and angles.

I am glad to see a homebargains coming into the city centre mailny becuase the prices of food at the cinema(a very yorkshire quote).This type of shop will definatly get a lot of business in that centre ,and also we are pretty lucky its going in that centre other than somewhere else within the city shopping core.
By the way has any one heard any news on the refit of the main tower building at the centre and the recald and canges to the rest of the centre.It all could do with some 21st centuary changes.

I've never quite dared go down the 'Georgian' arcade bit at the back of Morrisons - looks creepy.

You never see anyone down there... Apparently there's a boarded up/closed pub down there?

Also never knew the market existed until couple of years back - very well hidden!

I remember the market from when I was a kid, my aunty took me down and I always remembered it, there was a guy that sold stamps, the saucy underwear shop and a fancy dress place I always used to remember. I pretty much forgot about it until I went to college and was sent down there for something.. that was a blast from the past.. I thought it was all a figment of my imagination.. weird thing is.. all the stores I remember are still there!!

I remember the market from when I was a kid, my aunty took me down and I always remembered it, there was a guy that sold stamps, the saucy underwear shop and a fancy dress place I always used to remember. I pretty much forgot about it until I went to college and was sent down there for something.. that was a blast from the past.. I thought it was all a figment of my imagination.. weird thing is.. all the stores I remember are still there!!

The record store that sold bootleg cassettes is the one I remember the best. They were just copied straight onto blank cassettes with handwritten covers. How they got away with it for so long I don't know. Can't imagine that's there anymore!

I remember the market from when I was a kid, my aunty took me down and I always remembered it, there was a guy that sold stamps, the saucy underwear shop and a fancy dress place I always used to remember. I pretty much forgot about it until I went to college and was sent down there for something.. that was a blast from the past.. I thought it was all a figment of my imagination.. weird thing is.. all the stores I remember are still there!!

I'd forgotten I used to go to the stamp guy. You've just stirred a very old memory for me. There was also a little shop on the corner of Vicar Lane and Merrion Street, if I remember. And one in County Arcade.

A further improvement in the pipeline...
09/00195/FU/C
Mitchells And Butlers - P Davies
Re-roofing and re cladding including new windows and formation of decked area to public house
Grid Ref: 430108433950
Edwards
84-90 Merrion Centre
Merrion Way
Leeds
LS2 8NG

^^Stick or Twist??? Hope it is.. it could do with sprucing up for the arena..

^^Stick or Twist??? Hope it is.. it could do with sprucing up for the arena..

A further improvement in the pipeline...
09/00195/FU/C
Mitchells And Butlers - P Davies
Re-roofing and re cladding including new windows and formation of decked area to public house
Grid Ref: 430108433950
Edwards
84-90 Merrion Centre
Merrion Way
Leeds
LS2 8NG

i imagine its not stick or twist as thats a JD wetherspoons not a mitchers and butlers pub...

Perhaps its the Edwards place on the other side of the centre? its not merion way but could be their "address" not sure how addresses work on shopping centres?...

oh should have looked at the above posting..

Yea I didn't read the Edwards bit.. duh..

This bit looks much better now.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/3270072055_435be81456_o_d.jpg

Yea, I like that part of it. I really like the subtlety of the office element, the sandstone against the glass is nice, Merrion is starting to look a bit more modern now.. Hopefully they will sort the rest of Merrion out now. Would be nice if Morrisons got a face lift also. This is really starting to spruce up the area, hopefully by the time the arena lands in town it will be nicely done.

This new part of the Merrion Centre certainly looks a hell of a lot better than what was there before. Unfortuneately it just makes the rest of it look even worse i hope the various phases hurry up and get their reclads soon!

Yea, I like that part of it. I really like the subtlety of the office element, the sandstone against the glass is nice, Merrion is starting to look a bit more modern now.. Hopefully they will sort the rest of Merrion out now. Would be nice if Morrisons got a face lift also. This is really starting to spruce up the area, hopefully by the time the arena lands in town it will be nicely done.

Technically Morrisons HAS had a facelift - they painted the outside of it and changed the interior slightly... I think that's all we're going to get for now!:lol:

I'm suprised you managed to get a shot without any people or traffic in! That area is usually bustling with people and traffic- especially taxis outside Morrisons.

They need to discover escalators - the slopes up into the Merrion centre are far too steep. I think they might also be against building regulations as disability ramps are about a 1:15 ratio (fifteen metres of ramp for every one metre height increase).

I'm suprised you managed to get a shot without any people or traffic in! That area is usually bustling with people and traffic- especially taxis outside Morrisons.

Yer... it was around 7.30 am on sunday morning.

It's in a great area, and can be a brilliant facility as the 'budget' shopping centre as it were. However, it really does need a complete refurb & recladding.

I never saw what it looked like before, when I was last in Leeds they'd already shrouded it with the scaffolding.. that looks nice though, nice to break up the street frontage and reduce the feel of a barrier. nice material palette too..

The Edwards bar fronting Merrion Street is being pulled to pieces at the moment.

The Edwards bar fronting Merrion Street is being pulled to pieces at the moment.

It's having a complete refit. The old roof used to similar to that of a conservatory - the roof they're putting on now looks like that corrugated steel you see in shanty towns.

I wish theyed just get rid of the 'conservatory' and provide a grander, more spacious entrance to the centre.

I wish theyed just get rid of the 'conservatory' and provide a grander, more spacious entrance to the centre.

As would I- as well as sorting out that ridiculous slope.

^^ I agree. They're should either be a escalator for elderly people or people with prams. The rest should be steps.

That Edwards badly needed a refit - calling it shabby would be too kind!

I'm sure that somebody posted on here that they were building a smoking area there...Could it be a balcony they're putting in?

I'm sure that somebody posted on here that they were building a smoking area there...Could it be a balcony they're putting in?

You're right, that was posted by someone on here.

I'm sure that somebody posted on here that they were building a smoking area there...Could it be a balcony they're putting in?

I thought it looked like Edwards had closed down when I walked past there with these works taking place. Is it reopening as Edwards when these works are finished or is something else opening at the bottom of the Merrion (perhaps an expansion for Oceana) and I guess this corner will be bulked up from just a conservatory type building (renders?)?

http://www.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Leeds&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=13.313739,39.418945&ie=UTF8&ll=53.80112,-1.544588&spn=0.001622,0.004812&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=53.800841,-1.544595&panoid=NXB2iSXJqr-OLyJjgK5VRA&cbp=12,45.15,,0,-3.33

I went passed it today and from seeing the tubular metalwork structure they're building, I'm 99% certain that they're constructing a balcony! :cheers:

perhaps an expansion for Oceana

I've never wanted anyone to be more wrong!

I think the Merrion centre has always looked dated and shabby! The side facing woodhouse lane looks a bit better but still not good enough. And i totally agree with the opinion on the stupid slope it should be mostly steps and part slope for disabled access. All slope is just too much!

Or all travelators?

The Merrion Street entrance should be stairs and escalators - the Wade Lane entrance is already wheelchair accessible. Hell, if they remodelled the Merrion Street entrance properly they could fit one of those mini lifts alongside escalators and stairs.

I think the Merrion centre has always looked dated and shabby! The side facing woodhouse lane looks a bit better but still not good enough. And i totally agree with the opinion on the stupid slope it should be mostly steps and part slope for disabled access. All slope is just too much!

It can't of always looked dated, it must have looked new when it first opened.

It can't of always looked dated, it must have looked new when it first opened.

I quite like it. Rather than just wiping it off the face of the earth (Trinity Arcade) they are continuously making changes to it in an attempt to keep it up to date. Didn't it first open without a roof? Then, when covered malls became preferable, they bolted a roof onto it. The Woodhouse Lane side is a reasonably good example of what you can do to improve 60's architecture. Shame the remaining sides of the centre are unlikely to warrant as much attention. Although, once the Leeds Arena is built, it's likely the Merrion Centre's Merrion Street/Merrion Way facing sides may get a facelift if the Arena increases footfall near the centre.

Admittedly this could ultimately be its downfall, one too many nip/tucks and you're no longer the Swan, you're Michael Jackson. Lucky for the Merrion Centre it isn't going to announce a residency at the London O2.

I think modifications are generally a bad way to go. That's what the Shopping Plaza has been doing since it was built- now it's just a mess. Just like the Merrion.

I like the Merrion Centre - it has character and it is truly multi-purpose - the range of different uses in it is staggering and much more interesting than a modern centre.

A man could quite easily live his whole life using nothing but goods and services from the merrion centre - groceries, hardware, clothing, entertainment ... imagine the fun that would be! :lol:

A man could quite easily live his whole life using nothing but goods and services from the merrion centre - groceries, hardware, clothing, entertainment ... imagine the fun that would be! :lol:

You could have created a new reality TV show there! :)

A man could quite easily live his whole life using nothing but goods and services from the merrion centre - groceries, hardware, clothing, entertainment ...

I discovered that last year living across the road at Opal Tower... I didn't need to shop anywhere else other than for clothes - that's the centre's main weakness. 2 nightclubs and a bowling alley make up for that though.

I discovered that last year living across the road at Opal Tower... I didn't need to shop anywhere else other than for clothes - that's the centre's main weakness. 2 nightclubs and a bowling alley make up for that though.

Fair point, I wouldn't want my entire wardrobe to come from Peacocks either!

I discovered that last year living across the road at Opal Tower... I didn't need to shop anywhere else other than for clothes - that's the centre's main weakness. 2 nightclubs and a bowling alley make up for that though.

Ah yes, I remember the original Merrion Bowl, 42 lanes. Rumour has it that when it closed there were people at the far end who didn't even realise.

The bowling is still there, now called AMF Bowl. I don't think its still 42 lanes though, I believe the area that was left when it was resized is now a nightclub.

Just wondered how the Merrion Centre is happening nowadays as the last post was some three months ago. I'm particularly interested in the fate of the Odeon cinema (that was) to keep my colleagues on my various cinema-theatre websites informed on this one.:)

Just wondered how the Merrion Centre is happening nowadays as the last post was some three months ago. I'm particularly interested in the fate of the Odeon cinema (that was) to keep my colleagues on my various cinema-theatre websites informed on this one.:)

The cinema is still there, still closed, still empty an unused, with a Home Bargains underneath it (as opposed to a Woolworths).

Just wondered how the Merrion Centre is happening nowadays as the last post was some three months ago. I'm particularly interested in the fate of the Odeon cinema (that was) to keep my colleagues on my various cinema-theatre websites informed on this one.:)

Except for the seats, the cinema was pretty much perfectly preserved until about 18 months ago when, apparently, it was gutted by TCS, the owners of the site. Very sad indeed. What they plan to do with it remains a mystery.

You might be interested to know that the marvellous art deco Odeon in York has been re-opened by the cheapo chain Reel cinemas.

Reel cinemas are most definately not a cheapo chain, there the most expensive cinema around where i live! But they do give you a numbered seat, im not aware of any other chain that does this.

Reel cinemas are most definately not a cheapo chain, there the most expensive cinema around where i live! But they do give you a numbered seat, im not aware of any other chain that does this.

Vue do, just depends on the cinema you go to, they even let you pick which seat you want in some of them.

Reel are not a cheapo cinema, they don't even offer Orange Wednesdays (although they replace that by having all tickets on Wednesday for £3, cheaper than BOGOF). They even did a full refurb of the old Odeon in York, which at various points was going to be a nightclub, single screen cinema and restaurant, and art-house cinema. At least Reel opening it meant it retained as much of its former glory as possible, without shunning the movie watching public by falling up its own backside.

A bit of a gaffe on my part. I've never actually been to a Reel cinema, but it seemed to me they were taking space in small towns which had no cinema provision. I saw them as the Easyjet of film. I might check out the York one now that I know better.

the Easyjet of film

http://www.easycinema.com/

http://www.easycinema.com/

The easyCinema in Milton Keynes shut in 2006, it's just a DVD rental site now.

I noticed in the Merrion Centre yesterday that the enlightened chaps at TCS are currently in the process of gutting the lobby of Wade House. :ohno:

A bit of a gaffe on my part. I've never actually been to a Reel cinema, but it seemed to me they were taking space in small towns which had no cinema provision. I saw them as the Easyjet of film. I might check out the York one now that I know better.I must check out the York one myself. Trouble is, most of my filmic friends will only go to the City Screen. Snobs!

I noticed in the Merrion Centre yesterday that the enlightened chaps at TCS are currently in the process of gutting the lobby of Wade House. :ohno:

It's having a bit of a refit, all the toilets and kitchens have been done on each floor.....

hopefully the exterior will be next...

I spotted this piece in last week's Property Week:


Asset management is the name of the game for Town Centre Securities


The Leeds-based company, which is run by Edward Ziff, is concentrating its efforts on making its mixed-use Merrion Centre scheme a commercial success, while it waits for its other big project in Leeds – Eastgate Quarter, which it is developing with Hammerson – to start.

Richard Lewis, development director at Town Centre Securities, says: “It has only been postponed, and so we and Hammerson are working on feasibility studies to see when the right time might be to launch the development.”

Until then the group will continue to focus on its other Leeds asset. In the 850,000 sq ft Merrion Centre on the edge of the city centre, it has worked to cut its vacancy rate and has let seven units in the past month to Internacionale, Grainger Games, Cardzone, Stitch Express, Shoetec, Mumtaz restaurant and the British Heart Foundation.

All have agreed leases of between five and 10 years on units that range in size from 165 sq ft to 3,537 sq ft. They are paying between £12,500 and £46,750 a year in rent. The centre is now 94% let and of the six vacant units left, three are under offer.

A similar amount of success has been achieved in the adjoining 50,000 sq ft Town Centre House. Earlier this month the largest civil service union in Britain, the Public and Commercial Services Union agreed to take 6,315 sq ft at the six-storey office property. It took a 10-year lease at an undisclosed rent. The letting leaves just more than 2,000 sq ft in the building and takes it up to 95% occupied.

Lewis puts the success down to Town Centre Securities’ key asset management skills.

“Although we have had to deal with retail administrations at the Merrion Centre in the past year, we have continued to understand the importance of investing money into our assets. Town Centre House, for example, underwent a £7m refurbishment and is now one of the greenest and most sustainable office developments in the city.”

Steve Henderson, associate director of retail at Savills, says: “There is a real continued demand from national, regional and local retailers for space in Leeds. The Merrion Centre now only has six vacant units left, and three of those are already under offer.”

While it's obviously good news that a major city centre site is still a commercial success (but let's draw a veil over the architecture), it's very noticeable that there was absolutely no mention of the land that TCS own along Whitehall Road. Given the article's focus on their retail side, it makes me wonder if they plan to sell that land to another developer.

Mumtaz? In the Merrion? I missed something?

Also is the old pub at the top still empty? With the arena so close by, I'd have thought now was a great time to get a pub back open here, especially with students on the way past all the time...

Mumtaz? In the Merrion? I missed something?

Also is the old pub at the top still empty? With the arena so close by, I'd have thought now was a great time to get a pub back open here, especially with students on the way past all the time...

It's yet another Jaldi Jaldi opening in the Merrion Centre, a Mumtaz takeaway so to speak which has appeared to have come out of nowhere in the last year and already has branches in Headingley, Guiseley, Chapel Allerton and the Forster Square retail park in Bradford.

As for the pub could the fact the Merrion now fully closes it's doors at night and other existing pubs perhaps count against a pub reopening inside the centre as there is also the former Bar Phono and Jug and Bottle which have been empty for a long time as well.

As for the Merrion Centre you would have thought that article would have mentioned the long vacant Odeon Cinema and mostly dead Merrion Markets which surely must affect the proportion of the centre that is actually let contary to what is said in the article.

Just to confirm planning applied for to improve the corner of the Merrion Centre nearest St John's Centre: 11/01374/FU

I have commented on the application that they should clad the offices above in Yorkshire Stone, like Town Centre House, rather than some cheap render...

Yorkshire Post- TCS to refurbish Merrion Centre

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/tcs_plans_to_refurbish_merrion_centre_1_3386122

What it needs is a refurbishment outside, maybe then people will want to shop there.

What it needs is a refurbishment outside, maybe then people will want to shop there.


You have to be joking surely. Whatever we may think about the aesthetics of the Merrion Centre, it has always been popular with retailers and (one assumes) shoppers.

As today's article in the Business Desk makes clear:


TCS prospers in face of spending pressures
17th May 2011

By Mike Fahy - Assistant Editor

TOWN Centre Securities has seen the number of empty stores drop dramatically despite pressures on the retail sector. The Leeds-based group, which owns shopping venue the Merrion Centre in Leeds, said that its void level now stands at just 2.97%, which is the lowest level in its recent history and a drop from 4.6% at the beginning of the year.

It added that it had achieved a 1.8% like-for-like increase in its rent roll since the start of the year, with 99% of its March quarter day rents collected within five days of the due date......



See the rest of the article here (http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire/news/167323-tcs-prospers-in-face-of-spending-pressures.html?news_section=28381)

They should 'refurbish' it with lots and lots of Semtex..

The merrion centre has always been busy but is butt ugly. The shopping mall that i think has been ruined is the former headrow centre (now the core). It's got nothing in it now and has lost it's customers. "It's not the core but the gaping hole in the core".

It's annoying (for me, at least) that Leeds has nothing studenty to directly connect the city centre with the University the way Sheffield has bohemian Division Street and West Street (which is like a little village with apartments, bars, shops and a green space) Leeds has a dated shopping centre, grim grey concrete buildings and a load of roads cutting the Uni off from the centre of town.
Student money could, in theory, revitalise Woodhouse Lane if it wasn't for the shit that's already there.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/99/Devonshire_quarter_sheffield_1.jpg

West and Division Streets also double up as some of the city's main nightlife areas, however, and has to be said that in that respect they don't match up to Leeds' (Call Lane, New Briggate/Merrion Street, or even the Civc Quarter) in terms of range and quality.

I'm not particularly familiar with Sheffield but driving through it a couple of weeks ago, I have to say I was hugely impressed with the Eccleshall Road area. Really lively, plenty of bars and boutiques and decent housing stock. Leeds has nowhere that compares to this, even in the suburbs, and certainly nowhere leading out from the city centre (and indeed so close to it). I really dislike the way Leeds city centre is an island surrounded by run down industrial estates.

Isn't that the case with most cities though? Leeds certainly isn't an exception or any worse. As for students, I really couldn't care less. I never venture further north than Millennium Square, I have no reason to. As long as Leeds continues to have a superior shopping and clubbing scene to Sheffield (which it obviously does), then I'm happy.

I'm not particularly familiar with Sheffield but driving through it a couple of weeks ago, I have to say I was hugely impressed with the Eccleshall Road area. Really lively, plenty of bars and boutiques and decent housing stock. Leeds has nowhere that compares to this, even in the suburbs, and certainly nowhere leading out from the city centre (and indeed so close to it).

What a load of rubbish! Eccleshall Road is Sheffield's equivalent of Headingley. Having lived there for two years I can tell you the make up of residents and housing stock is almost identical. Yes, the buildings on the main road are more impressive and it's a bit leafier but all in all very similar. You need to get out of the city centre more!!

The 'ring of desolation' to which I refer! I mentioned it on another thread somewhere while ranting.

I do think Leeds centre feels very cut off, but its a combination of the IRR, post-industrial decline and in the Northwest the combination of the hospital and university creating a significant barrier.

It really is no different if you go to most other cities -Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Nottingham etc all generally have the same attributes.

I really dislike the way Leeds city centre is an island surrounded by run down industrial estates.

The 'ring of desolation' to which I refer! I mentioned it on another thread somewhere while ranting.

I do think Leeds centre feels very cut off, but its a combination of the IRR, post-industrial decline and in the Northwest the combination of the hospital and university creating a significant barrier.

Although actually, the part of the city where the City feels most linked to the suburbs is in the NW thanks to the hospital and university. It's the areas where industrial estates and large roads dominate that feel the most cut off.

I'd also say Leeds, while having a ring of desolation, is nowhere near as bad as some other major cities.

West and Division Streets also double up as some of the city's main nightlife areas, however, and has to be said that in that respect they don't match up to Leeds' (Call Lane, New Briggate/Merrion Street, or even the Civc Quarter) in terms of range and quality.

There's an element of grass being greener on the other side, but I do like the way Sheffield has a critical mass of young, trendy, arty people and mixed uses (apartments, bookshops, cafes and bars) clustered around the University. New Briggate has some excellent bars but little sense of place, especially with the garish fast food joints and traffic round there. Leeds probably has more going on pound for pound, but I think Sheffield has been more fortunate in terms of where the University is sited. Woodhouse Lane depresses me to the point of being physically ill.

What a load of rubbish! Eccleshall Road is Sheffield's equivalent of Headingley. Having lived there for two years I can tell you the make up of residents and housing stock is almost identical. Yes, the buildings on the main road are more impressive and it's a bit leafier but all in all very similar. You need to get out of the city centre more!!

It's similar in lots of ways but Ecclesall Road also feels like a centre for middle class consumer spending as well as student money - it has an M&S with a cafe, a Waitrose, uppish clothes stores like Fat Face, and Starbucks and Caffe Nero. Headingley can feel a bit down at heel at certain times of the day. Or maybe I don't spend enough time in Sheffield to really know anymore.

What a load of rubbish! Eccleshall Road is Sheffield's equivalent of Headingley. Having lived there for two years I can tell you the make up of residents and housing stock is almost identical. Yes, the buildings on the main road are more impressive and it's a bit leafier but all in all very similar. You need to get out of the city centre more!!

Yeah, I'd echo what di Livio says above, I don't think Headingley is a good enough comparison.

It really is no different if you go to most other cities -Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Nottingham etc all generally have the same attributes.

Nottingham doesn't have as much of a ring of desolation as most places, in fact to much of the north and west there isn't really one at all. East Manchester by contrast seems to consist of little else.

Nottingham doesn't have as much of a ring of desolation as most places, in fact to much of the north and west there isn't really one at all. East Manchester by contrast seems to consist of little else.

Fair enough that east Manchester is a bit down at heal. However, I bet there isn't a local authority in England that doesn't look at it's sporting facilities with envy!

Nottingham doesn't have as much of a ring of desolation as most places, in fact to much of the north and west there isn't really one at all. East Manchester by contrast seems to consist of little else.

Nottingham benefits from a lack of urban motorway. The ring around Leeds really separates the residential suburbs from the city centre.

One benefit Manchester has is the Oxford Road Corridor extends from the city centre to the university under a motorway quite successfully.

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/3217/merrioncentrecarpark1.jpg

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/2621/merrioncentrecarpark2.jpg

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/79/merrioncentrecarpark3.jpg

http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/220/merrioncentrecarpark4.jpg

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/1837/merrioncentrecarparkpla.jpg

From http://www.shopproperty.co.uk/Pdf/40003932544EHOX.pdf?id=f41c8f49e3aa4d7e9b0e38ca747a2ca6

Interesting renders and plans. It unsurprisingly means the death of the Merrion Market (formerly Merrion Superstore) and brings into question what would happen to the remaining retailers within that long declining market (surely they could be enticed to move to Kirkgate Market). As for the hexagons they make me think of Blockbusters and im not too keen on the grey rendering although it could of course appear better when this is completed (although they could also perhaps be plain concrete). Are those Frankies and Bennies, Pizza Express and Nandos signs confirmed tenants or just tenants which the developers aspire to see open there although the arena would surely play a big part in opening restaurants up that way. I remember when the Woodhouse Lane frontage was done up a few years ago renders had shown a Pizza Express in that shot at a site which had in fact seen a Wilkinsons open there.

http://www.ukgameshows.com/p/images/thumb/f/fc/Blockbusters_bob_foldedarms.jpg/300px-Blockbusters_bob_foldedarms.jpg

The Frankies and Bennies, Pizza Express and Nandos signs are just brands they invisage opening there I suppose, the only confirmed tenant is 1st Bowl as they are down as being in the basement unit.

god bless the arena if it sorts out that god foresaken car park. Not mind blowing, but way better than I could have expected.

Great news - more proof if proof were needed that this is the most beneficial place for the arena to be located.

This part of town would never have seen rennovation like this without the arena. I just hope some of the independants up there can be protected/relocated.

Great news - more proof if proof were needed that this is the most beneficial place for the arena to be located.

This part of town would never have seen rennovation like this without the arena. I just hope some of the independants up there can be protected/relocated.

Very true.
If the get rid of the music store i will be very annoyed!!

Looks quite good- the best we can expect for a car park reclad... especially the Merrion car park. Clearly echoes the arena design so... thank God for the arena!

As for the retailers there now and the shops in the Merrion Market, I hope they find alternative space either in the redeveloped space or elsewhere in the city. Are some units proposed in the arena itself? Ideal for a music store!

there will be a restaurant in the arena and the two 'development plots' at the front. In theory both will have builidngs on, probably restaurants

Hopefully this will come to pass, I have every reason to believe it will. The Merrion centre gets a lot of stick, but there is a variety of shops and massive footfall - which is absolutely key. Hopefully many of the retailers can be reaccomodated in the centre, or at Kirkgate Market. There does seem to be a fair rate of turnover at Merrion, so reaccomodating them shouldnt be too difficult.

• New retail / restaurant / bar units
(44,000 sq ft / 4,087 sq m)
• Major refurbishment of the 1,100 space
multi-storey car park with new vehicular
and pedestrian accesses and egresses.
• New 15,000 sq ft Health Club.
• Bowling Alley 30,000 sq ft.
• New public realm.
• Highway and infrastructure improvements
Looks like there will be a Gym too, possibly in the basement?

I wonder if the Merrion Hotel might be redeveloped too? Seems like it would be ideal for a Travelodge/Premier Inn/ Holiday Inn Express, etc. Reviews on tripadvior suggest the hotel is past it's best.

The Merrion Hotel is a Best Western - they aren't usually too bad. Probably just needs a refurbishment, rather than being transferred to another operator.

I wonder if the Merrion Hotel might be redeveloped too? Seems like it would be ideal for a Travelodge/Premier Inn/ Holiday Inn Express, etc. Reviews on tripadvior suggest the hotel is past it's best.

Hepworth Point is becoming a premier inn. Tower North is also becoming a hotel too but as far as i'm aware, which particular chain that will be has not been announced.

The Merrion Hotel is a Best Western - they aren't usually too bad. Probably just needs a refurbishment, rather than being transferred to another operator.

http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/37/2002911_68749637.jpg

http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/66/20031010_93279666.jpg

Apparently the Merrion Hotel is operated by Brook Hotels. http://www.brook-hotels.co.uk/hotels/merrion-hotel-leeds It doesn't look too bad on their website perhaps suggesting a relatively recent re-fit (although it could be a case of just showing the best bits of course).

The Merrion Hotel certainly seems like a hotel to have had a lot of changes in owners over the years (I think previous owners include the Rank Organisation, Thistle Hotels (whatever happened to that one time Leeds United kit sponsor) and as you say Best Western). Could there be a chance of ownership changing again when the arena is constructed which would surely increase the attractiveness of the Merrion Hotel.

Latest rumor alert: KFC to open in Merrion

Where have you been...

Where have you been...

Head stuck in a variety bucket, the shame :banana:

Very true.
If the get rid of the music store i will be very annoyed!!
And the Cobbler/Key Cutter/Watch Repairer/all-round good guy in the Merrion Market. He's never let us down - he worked miracles with my watch last week, when similar shops in Ilkley, Guiseley, Yeadon and The Merrion Centre failed. :)

Walked past the merrion centre yesterday - what a god awful thing it is. That general area is just depressing. I wonder if the St Johns centre could be recladded in the future?

Walked past the merrion centre yesterday - what a god awful thing it is. That general area is just depressing. I wonder if the St Johns centre could be recladded in the future?

The roofline could be reclad but the bricks would more likely get a clean.

I could tolerate the Merrion Centre if Wade House was reclad in stone and Merrion House was demolished.

I forgot about Hepworth becoming a Premier Inn. Is there an opening date for that yet?

The Merrion Hotel is a Best Western - they aren't usually too bad. Probably just needs a refurbishment, rather than being transferred to another operator.

That does ring a bell, seems not to be anymore, though.
The candid photos on tripadvisor suggest that the hotel was last refurbished in the early 90s. It could do with a good spruce-up, internally and externally.

I'm not a fan of the St. John's Centre exactly, but it's nowhere near as bad as the Merrion.

What I really dislike about the Merrion is that it's just a massive carbuncle that's been chopped and changed over the year in an ad-hoc way, when it needs major investment. The corner on the loop/Woodhouse Lane/Albion Street where The Picture House is now should be more dramatic too at such a key location.

Head stuck in a variety bucket, the shame :banana:

there is no shame in the greasy bucket my friend! :lol:

http://www.tempshops.co.uk/File/Image/shop_7175-Unit-3-Market-Hall-Development-Merrion-Centre-Leeds.jpg

Quite like that! whens this happening di livio?

Is this a serious proposal? It would fit in with the Arena with the hexagonal cladding...but I'm not fully sold...the rendering looks pretty amataurish.

I must admit I think the claddings pretty cheap looking, a bit more grey plastic to add to the area. Some sort of wooden screening of the car park, similar to what is being proposed for Eastgate, would be much smarter. The general concepts good though.

^^
Totally agree it seems "cheap and plastic" is the new design criteria for Leeds.

I think it looks fine, and would certainly be an improvement on what's already there.

To be fair as someone else mentioned the render is very poor so it may be better than it looks on that - but I am not sure I agree it will be better than the existing. Alright the existing is a great bulk and certainly unattractive but will it look better with plastic stuck on it? - I am not sure about that.

It doesn't look anywhere near as bad as the plastic-chic on Opal, for example. I think it will look decent at least.

^^
Totally agree it seems "cheap and plastic" is the new design criteria for Leeds.

They have long been the design criteria....

I don't mean to be rude to you all but are you all stupid? it's a 1960's multi-storey carpark for christ sake what was you expecting some sort of solid gold cladding stuck to it, lets be realistic now, that is a massive improvement to what's there at this moment in time.

yo fresher, its never has and will never be, it was a phase in architecture that coincided with lots of leeds developments, they are all over the country, open ya eyes and wake up ffs, its only the media with its london bias that talks all this shite leeds plastic boxs millions of empty flats when we all know the opposite is the truth. we won the best tall building in the fucking world last year and that wasnt plastic, cheap or any other shite you wish to spout.

yo fresher, its never has and will never be, it was a phase in architecture that coincided with lots of leeds developments, they are all over the country, open ya eyes and wake up ffs, its only the media with its london bias that talks all this shite leeds plastic boxs millions of empty flats when we all know the opposite is the truth. we won the best tall building in the fucking world last year and that wasnt plastic, cheap or any other shite you wish to spout.

Leeds does have its fair share of these, but I spend an awful lot of my time travelling (as my posts on the merits of various airports will testify) and, believe me, it's on par with everywhere else, including London. While London is beginning to develop some good style in its architecture, it's similarly blighted with a wealth (?) of poorer quality boxes. I often cross the river out of Victoria station and get a view of the avante-garde of the 80s and 90s along its bank. Not maturing well.

And for every badly clad box in Leeds, we can at least compare it with Broadcasting House, Candle House, Clarence Dock. Even the Dalek has its merits. And the strange sail-shaped purple things on East Street.

The Merrion is an eyesore and cladding it in dog turds would improve it. This proposal doesn't look great, but it's early stages and the final product may be better. At least the proposal will turn that end of the centre into usable units which will benefit the Arena and probably thrive. That virtuous circle may lead to longer-term investment to bring things up to scratch.

And the strange sail-shaped purple things on East Street.

Echo Central me thinks...

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/shopping_centre_revamp_on_the_agenda_to_cash_in_on_new_arena_1_3552394

Shopping centre revamp on the agenda to cash in on new arena
Thursday 7 July 2011 10:10

Councillors will today discuss proposals to revamp a section of the Merrion Centre in Leeds in an attempt to capitalise on those visiting the Arena when it opens.

BDP Architects have devised a plan which would see the closure of the existing Merrion Market to create space for six new units to be occupied by restaurants, bars and a gym.

A report by Leeds Council’s chief planning officer says that the proposals are at an early stage and are being presented to councillors for their comments ahead of the submission of a planning application later in the year.

His report says that Merrion Market “has a high level of vacancy, with one of its longest standing occupiers, Nevilles DIY, having recently vacated.”

The scheme being worked up would involve the reconfiguration of floorspace within the existing Merrion Market.

“The units would be occupied by restaurants, bars and a gym,” the reports states.

“It is currently intended that units east of the car park access would extend forward of the existing building line. An outdoor seating area would also be formed probably resulting in the loss of existing trees.” The developer is also proposing to remove the canopy to the west of the car park and create glazed shopfronts.

Existing solid walls which front Wade Lane would be replaced by clear glazed shopfronts and existing pavements would be improved.

The car parking layout is currently being developed with a view to increasing the size of car parking spaces and providing more spaces for parking for disabled people.

As a result the total number of spaces – 1,050 – is likely to drop by around 100, the report notes.

New parking payment arrangements and the possibility of an extra entrance lane are also being looked into.

The car park operators are also intending to improve the external surface – currently concrete and pebble – partly to deal with safety issues as the masonry is covered in netting to prevent it falling.

New pedestrian lifts and staircases to the car park are also proposed.

Two lifts would be installed at the corner of what is currently the Shopmobility unit.

And a new staircase would be located opposite the lifts close to the existing herbal remedies premises.

The report says that the redevelopment would result in the loss of the Shopmobility unit and the remaining occupiers of the Merrion Market and that “a strategy for appropriate relocation is being considered.”

There are currently 12 disabled people’s car parking spaces within the car park, although due to the dimensions of the existing lifts these are difficult to access by people in wheelchairs.

The proposed new lifts would be designed to current standards and make the car park far more accessible.

Councillors on the city centre plans panel, who meet today, will be asked to comment on the five following aspects of the proposals.

The plans for the uses of the buildings and the importance of premises on Merrion Way opening during the day as well as the evening when Arena events are taking place.

Will the design respect and reinforce the “strong modernist form of the car park”?

What about landscaping and the proposed loss of trees?

The loss of informal routes within the building to and from Wade Lane, the Merrion Centre and Merrion Way has to be considered. It could be possible to reintroduce an east-west route from the northern mall to Wade Lane along the line of the existing service road.

What about the loss of the Merrion Market? Although occupancy has steadily reduced and the market may not be viable, a few units do remain in active use.

The report will be discussed today from 1.30pm at Leeds Civic Hall.

Good find No 1, not sure how I feel about the market going. Although I didn't use it much it seems like another way of getting rid of small businesses.

Well the reality is, there was hardly any business in there at all. It was a terrible place to do business whether you're a chain or a small business- far better units are available in the city. I don't think there's much to lose. I bet there's loads of people in the city that have no idea of its existence.

Well the reality is, there was hardly any business in there at all. It was a terrible place to do business whether you're a chain or a small business- far better units are available in the city. I don't think there's much to lose. I bet there's loads of people in the city that have no idea of its existence.

You're not wrong. I was born in Leeds and lived there until University, popping back fairly regularly since. Despite going to Merrion Centre for Morrisons and also the CD shop that used to be on Merrion St, I had no idea a market was there until last year!

This will be catastrophic for Big Bites :(

This will be catastrophic for Big Bites :(

I used to go there religiously for cheesy chips in the first and second years of uni in 2004-5, but then one day I was served a portion of cold chips. Big Bite is now dead to me.


All Bar One in that location is a bit of an optimistic render, though with Pizza Express seemingly becoming as common as Greggs in Leeds City Centre, I wouldn't be surprised to see one!

This will be catastrophic for Big Bites :(

Yet more gentrification blighting our city.

There's a market at the Merrion Centre ? Well I'll be :lol:

Anyhow, for city centre's to develop, change's like this need to happen, otherwise we'd still be in the dark age's.

This isnt like the Corn Exchange where nice indepent retailer's were somewhat forced out.

The shop's in the Merrion Centre are shite, end of.

There are plenty of other similar shop's in the city centre so it will come to no great loss.

Liking the sound of the plan's though, a glass frontage will vastly improve that area, so we wont end up with a stunning arena in the middle of a pre-dated dumping ground. Not so happy about loosing tree's though, if anything, they should be encouraging developer's to plant new one's.

Well there is certainly room at Kirkgate Market which the few remaining stores at the Merrion Market could move to surely?

Also is there any further news on a revamp for the Stick & Twist Wetherspoons / Grosvenor Casino building and Tower North Central yet in light of the arena works?

The merrion market has been a down at heel tired looking place for as long as i can remember so this is good news as far as i am concerned. But my mum would be heartbroken if the craftwise shop shut it's door's as she buys a lot of stuff there for her card making hobby. " I can't wait for the arena to open " it will give some life and purpose to this part of town.

Well there is certainly room at Kirkgate Market which the few remaining stores at the Merrion Market could move to surely?

Also is there any further news on a revamp for the Stick & Twist Wetherspoons / Grosvenor Casino building and Tower North Central yet in light of the arena works?

The merrion market has been a down at heel tired looking place for as long as i can remember so this is good news as far as i am concerned. But my mum would be heartbroken if the craftwise shop shut it's door's as she buys a lot of stuff there for her card making hobby. " I can't wait for the arena to open " it will give some life and purpose to this part of town.

Aren't the rents at Kirkgate market sky high, or at least considerably more [ I would have thought ] than M.M.

I know Merrion Market is pretty much empty, but the rest of the Merrion Centre always seems rammed with people moving in one direction or the other.

The rents at Kirkgate Market are pretty high but there are other opportunities around the City. Granary Wharf are looking for tenants, as are the Corn Exchange. What about The Core for some of the larger names like Craftwise?

Let's be honest, all these places are begging for tenants so I'm sure they would prefer to charge lower rent than say no.

Surely it all comes down to the cost of rentals, if the above locations had reasonable rental costs they would be taken.

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire/news/193086-facelift-at-merrion-centre.html?news_section=42
Facelift at Merrion Centre

14th July 2011
By Ian Briggs - Editor, Yorkshire

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/310x233/jul_11/businessdesk__1310627200_Merrion_corner2.jpg?access=604T013T840
An artist's impression of the revamped Merrion Centre

WORK to improve the look of several retail units at Town Centre Securities' Merrion Centre site in Leeds is underway.

The Leeds-based property investment and development company is undertaking a major programme of facelift works at the 1m sq ft shopping centre.

New shop fronts for new tenants, fast-food retailer KFC and Coral bookmakers, who take occupation in November, are being put in.

Three existing occupiers, KRCS, Stewarts News and Greggs, will also benefit from new frontages and will remain open throughout the redevelopment phase.

The refurbishment will also include external glazing to two vacant units, the 2,000 sq ft former Jug and Bottle public house and a 2,800 sq ft basement unit which previously was a night club known as Subculture.

New shop fronts along Merrion Street will be created with granite columns and new lighting. The offices above will also get an external facelift and new windows. The work will be completed by the end of this year.

Helen Beckett, associate director at Town Centre Securities, said: ”This a key piece of real estate on the Leeds inner city loop road. Our experience shows us that by attracting new tenants and enhancing frontages we can raise the profile of this prominent location.

"This substantial investment, which includes the introduction of high quality materials, will significantly improve the look of the centre, bringing benefits to all."

Triton Construction is carrying out the work and Wake Architects of Huddersfield has undertaken the design work.

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire/news/193086-facelift-at-merrion-centre.html?news_section=42
Facelift at Merrion Centre

14th July 2011
By Ian Briggs - Editor, Yorkshire

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/assets/_files/cached/img/310x233/jul_11/businessdesk__1310627200_Merrion_corner2.jpg?access=604T013T840
An artist's impression of the revamped Merrion Centre

WORK to improve the look of several retail units at Town Centre Securities' Merrion Centre site in Leeds is underway.

The Leeds-based property investment and development company is undertaking a major programme of facelift works at the 1m sq ft shopping centre.

New shop fronts for new tenants, fast-food retailer KFC and Coral bookmakers, who take occupation in November, are being put in.

Three existing occupiers, KRCS, Stewarts News and Greggs, will also benefit from new frontages and will remain open throughout the redevelopment phase.

The refurbishment will also include external glazing to two vacant units, the 2,000 sq ft former Jug and Bottle public house and a 2,800 sq ft basement unit which previously was a night club known as Subculture.

New shop fronts along Merrion Street will be created with granite columns and new lighting. The offices above will also get an external facelift and new windows. The work will be completed by the end of this year.

Helen Beckett, associate director at Town Centre Securities, said: ”This a key piece of real estate on the Leeds inner city loop road. Our experience shows us that by attracting new tenants and enhancing frontages we can raise the profile of this prominent location.

"This substantial investment, which includes the introduction of high quality materials, will significantly improve the look of the centre, bringing benefits to all."

Triton Construction is carrying out the work and Wake Architects of Huddersfield has undertaken the design work.
That render looks very good, and it doesn't look plastic! :banana:

EDIT I wish they would remove that old glass entrance though..

It says granite so... hope it pays off.

Also... there isn't a KFC there is there? Is that where it's going to be opening..?

Also... there isn't a KFC there is there? Is that where it's going to be opening..?

Acropolis cafe has recently closed down so it must be going in there.

It says granite so....

That's the bit of that article that really stood out to me aswel. At the end of the day, granite is granite, high quality and dominating.

Sound's like the city have money to waste if they're willing to clad KFC, greggs and a random newsagency in granite.

Supertram next maybe ? :lol:

That's the bit of that article that really stood out to me aswel. At the end of the day, granite is granite, high quality and dominating.

Sounds like the city have money to waste if they're willing to clad KFC, greggs and a random newsagency in granite.

Supertram next maybe ? :lol:

The city? or Town Centre Securities?

The city? or Town Centre Securities?

Town Centre Securities can build it if they want, that is fine with me :nuts: A granite tram network will really put Leeds on the map..

Town Centre Securities can build it if they want, that is fine with me :nuts: A granite tram network will really put Leeds on the map..

Can't see it being all that energy efficient dragging granite trams around :lol:

The Jaldi Jaldi and neigbouring entrance on Woodhouse Lane are partially clad in granite.

Also, its a private development, so the use of granite has nothing to do with 'the city'.

No external refurb to merrion house then? They are council offices though so I can't see them forking out for it too soon what with having to pay for the arena as well

No external refurb to merrion house then? They are council offices though so I can't see them forking out for it too soon what with having to pay for the arena as well

Does the council owe the building though?

I think it should be cleaned, have the windows repaired and be listed. An excellent example of '60s architecture that would look worse if reclad.

The council got an amazing deal on it in the 70s, but one which required it to sign up for something ridiculous, like a 50 year lease... or was it a 70 year one?

Merrion Centre has 1million square ft of retail space! More than three times as much as Clarence Dock as learnt from the CD thread.

You cant polish a turd but that does look reasonable.

Unbelievable, Jeff!
I missed this news the other day. How?

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2011/7/15/1310723685686/merrion-centre-1-001.jpg



http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2011/7/15/1310723762610/merrion-centre-2-004.jpg


http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2011/jul/15/leeds-shopping-centre-takes-advantage-of-arena-effect

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6002/5974158500_3ea671984e_b.jpg

Wow, that started fast! I presume the scaffolding is the start of the reclad?

Wow, that started fast! I presume the scaffolding is the start of the reclad?

Yep, you can't see in the photo but behind the hoarding the old cafe has been completely gutted and the old glass shelter has been removed. ETA for the reclad of the street level is end of August/early September, Coral opening in October and KFC by November at the latest with the office reclad completed before the new year is out.

Noticed today on the side of Wade House what looks to be a test panel for reclad. It is over one of the windows and seems to feature what I think is plastic wood over what is currently white mosaics and a large frameless glass window. Ill have another look and get a photo next time I go past.

KRCS has re-opened after its refit (looks a bit more like an Apple store now), Stewart's News (the little newsagent kiosk next to Greggs) has had an external facelift, and Greggs has new glazing. You can see glass panelling above KRCS and the KFC/Coral are still being built.

Noticed today on the side of Wade House what looks to be a test panel for reclad. It is over one of the windows and seems to feature what I think is plastic wood over what is currently white mosaics and a large frameless glass window. Ill have another look and get a photo next time I go past.

Plastic wood, you say? :nuts:

Well it was brown whatever it was!

From today's Business Desk:


TCS grabs Arena opportunities
13th September 2011

By James Reed - Deputy Editor, Yorkshire

TOWN Centre Securities is looking to capitalise on the opening of the Leeds Arena after seeing income from the Merrion Centre grow for the sixth year in a row.

The Leeds-based property investment and development company announced underlying pre-tax profits of £8.2m for the year to the end of June, up from £7.6m last year.

TCS has asked for planning permission for a new development of bars, restaurants and a gym to replace the former Merrion Market and create a new frontage for the centre with a view to capitalise on the development of the Leeds Arena nearby......

TCS chairman and chief executive Edward Ziff said: "We continue to implement our strategy for growth. Our results reflect our emphasis on securing income for shareholders and the returns we have made by investing in our existing portfolio. We remain cautious about the economy however and are wary of the potential for tenant failures and pressure on rental levels......


"We firmly believe that projects at Merrion Centre in particular and across our remaining portfolio will in due course enhance our asset value and income generation, ultimately improving our returns and thereby enhancing shareholder value."

Occupancy levels across the TCS portfolio grew from 93.2% to 96.9% while the disposal of assets generated £6.5m.

The scaffolding is down around KRCS, looks pretty spiffy.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-H2DaicSl61k/Tnxq0c5j9iI/AAAAAAAAAiM/B5GtVqU9VcI/2011-09-23%25252012.15.02.jpg

:applause: That's super, smashing, great!... for the Merrion Centre, anyway! :)

It would be nice if the rest of the shops to the right of KRCS were cladded black in the same way. Perhaps they are?

It would be nice if the rest of the shops to the right of KRCS were cladded black in the same way. Perhaps they are?

It is going to be looking at the render on the other page.

It is going to be looking at the render on the other page.

From peeking above the hoarding, they will indeed use the same cladding. However KFC might be putting an enormous screen print above their unit which may clash with the cladding, but will obviously be used to full effect (like a moth to a flame) to round up all the hungry drunks on a weekend :cheers:

From peeking above the hoarding, they will indeed use the same cladding. However KFC might be putting an enormous screen print above their unit which may clash with the cladding, but will obviously be used to full effect (like a moth to a flame) to round up all the hungry drunks on a weekend :cheers:

I wouldn't go badmouthing KFC on here....

I wouldn't go badmouthing KFC on here....

haha, no no, it's like a holy grail of chicken eateries for some of us ;)

It's a shame they can't remove the old entrance.

Looking good anyway, now if only we could get St John's recladded.. :)

It's a shame they can't remove the old entrance.

Looking good anyway, now if only we could get St John's recladded.. :)

Only the roof would get a re-clad. It needs a clean more than anything else... except demolition, of course.

It looks quite nice esp. for a turd polishing exercise!

Looking alot better than I expected

I have been in the pub which you are talking about, just not sure of the exact name [ could be The Highlander ], the pub in the Hexagonal building was The General Wade.

The unit I refer to is either Unit 8, or the unit to the left of this...

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/1837/merrioncentrecarparkpla.jpg

Interestingly the plan seems to show the "Georgian" arcade blocked off as a service corridoor?...

Also where did the mechanical gizmo clock thing go from the middle of the Merrion? Surely not just binned?...

From September this year (http://www.brassrow.co.uk/pdfs/136.pdf). Includes different renders and store layouts (notably unit 8). 4 units under offer to 2 concerns - 1 gym, 1 seemingly Pan-Asian restaurant.

Interesting find, thanks.

The revised car park cladding is greatly improved - looks good!

Are there Cosmo restaurants around the rest of the UK? Good to see the basement unit gone, thought that might have struggled.

Interesting that page 6 seems to suggest a new building at the corner of the Arena site?...

WOW, what an amazing find! This has got me even more excited about the (newly dubbed) 'Arena Quarter.' Looks like it is gonna be amazing around there when it's complete. The car park looks much better, and the glass units are really going to transform that area. Shame we can't have that bit pedestrianised, I think that it would make all the difference to improve it further.

This for me is by far the most exciting part of the city right now and I really can't wait to see how it completely changes the city. I think in a couple of years Leeds will feel like a completely different place, and even more so when Eastgate kicks off.

Couple of things I noticed,
Page 6: Seems to suggest that the hotel within Tower North are to be 'serviced apartments'. I take this to mean that they will be in the 'Apart-Hotel' format. Which to me is a very good thing as we don't really have many in Leeds, and also with the Premier Inn so close by it will provide a different option.

Page 7 & 8: The writing on the gym unit is exactly the same as the font on Pure Gym which could mean a second unit in the city center. This would also be a much welcome addition, and something I've been hoping for for a while, anyone else who is a member there will know how busy it gets.

Also shows that a Copthorne Hotel is proposed next to the Rose Bowl. That would be a good addition to the quality hotels already in the City Centre. Interestingly, this is not on the site of the proposed Portland Street hotel, so does that mean this site will not be developed or will we see 2 x 4 star hotels within a 100 yards of each other?

Walked across Merrion way the other day on my lunch break and there were a couple of blokes laser scanning the area outside Yorkshire bank

Page 7 & 8: The writing on the gym unit is exactly the same as the font on Pure Gym which could mean a second unit in the city center. This would also be a much welcome addition, and something I've been hoping for for a while, anyone else who is a member there will know how busy it gets.

I noticed that. Pure Gym have had to open extra gyms in Manchester (second open, third coming soon), Edinburgh and Birmingham to keep up with demand. They're also opening one in Halifax in 2012. If it is a Pure Gym, to me it'll be kind of annoying as I won't know whether to join that one because it's so close to the office, or keep using the Corn Exchange one because it's so close to my bus stop :bash:

I noticed that. Pure Gym have had to open extra gyms in Manchester (second open, third coming soon), Edinburgh and Birmingham to keep up with demand. They're also opening one in Halifax in 2012. If it is a Pure Gym, to me it'll be kind of annoying as I won't know whether to join that one because it's so close to the office, or keep using the Corn Exchange one because it's so close to my bus stop :bash:

You should be able to join one and use both. In fact you should be able to use any Pure Gym in the UK, I can. :okay:

You should be able to join one and use both. In fact you should be able to use any Pure Gym in the UK, I can. :okay:

Always thought it was £20/month to access them all (except London), it appears to be £16.99/month, the same as I'm paying now just for the Leeds gym. The website says I can upgrade to access all of them, and I'd love to (could've used the ones in Edinburgh the other week if I'd known), but it crashes when I try to upgrade my account. E-mailed them to tell them their website hates me. :bash:

My details used to say I was only allowed to one gym, but then it upgraded itself and said that I could use them all. Sweeeeet.

I wonder if Morrisons will ever consider moving out of the Merrion Centre.

I say this for a few reasons. The first is that it surely doesn't do them any favours to have a dated, crowded and cramped store at a time when they're trying to rebrand and put themselves firmly in the big four. Their concept store at Kirkstall is much better.

Secondly, it would free up a good amount of space at the Merrion Centre, which together with the arcade at the back could be redeveloped into new ground floor retail or leisure space. With the arena coming along, the Merrion Centre will want to capitalise on this as much as possible.

Morrisons shouldn't just close their store; we still need a major supermarket in the City, but does it have to be at the Merrion? Perhaps there's a large unit on the fringe of Eastgate that might be more suitable for them, or how about taking space on the ground floor of one of the proposed office blocks at Wellington Place? I don't want to encourage low-density retail park type developments in the City by this, so it would probably need to be delivered in conjunction with another development.

I wonder if Morrisons will ever consider moving out of the Merrion Centre.

I say this for a few reasons. The first is that it surely doesn't do them any favours to have a dated, crowded and cramped store at a time when they're trying to rebrand and put themselves firmly in the big four. Their concept store at Kirkstall is much better.

Secondly, it would free up a good amount of space at the Merrion Centre, which together with the arcade at the back could be redeveloped into new ground floor retail or leisure space. With the arena coming along, the Merrion Centre will want to capitalise on this as much as possible.

Morrisons shouldn't just close their store; we still need a major supermarket in the City, but does it have to be at the Merrion? Perhaps there's a large unit on the fringe of Eastgate that might be more suitable for them, or how about taking space on the ground floor of one of the proposed office blocks at Wellington Place? I don't want to encourage low-density retail park type developments in the City by this, so it would probably need to be delivered in conjunction with another development.

I can pretty much assure you that that won't be happening. Based on the number of transactions, the store is their busiest in the country. With all the students, office workers and local degenerates the place is a gold mine.

More likely would be a referb (despite the fact they had one a couple of years ago), as from 2012 they will be looking to rollout their Kirkstall / York / Shrewsbury concept across more, if not all stores.

I think it's great having a full size supermarket in the city centre to serve the local student/city centre resident population. If anything I'd like to see it expand into the "Georgian Arcade" to get more floor space. Wonder if anything could be done to move the carparking onto the roof to free up more space for retail at ground level...

Does anyone have a copy of the floor plan for inside the Merrion? Not seen one for a while. Be interesting to see what they plan to do with the remaining parts of the Merrion Centre that have yet to be rennovated...

I think it's great having a full size supermarket in the city centre to serve the local student/city centre resident population. If anything I'd like to see it expand into the "Georgian Arcade" to get more floor space. Wonder if anything could be done to move the carparking onto the roof to free up more space for retail at ground level...

Does anyone have a copy of the floor plan for inside the Merrion? Not seen one for a while. Be interesting to see what they plan to do with the remaining parts of the Merrion Centre that have yet to be rennovated...

Well the plans for the upcoming Merrion revamp along Merrion Way suggest that the arcade is to be blocked off for 'Service Access' at the end near the o2 store (unfortunately the map of the plans doesn't show any more than that). It could well be that Morrisons expands into that area.

I'm not saying Morrisons shouldn't be in the centre- I just think there are other nearby sites that might serve both their interests, and the interests of the city, better. A remodelling and expansion of the existing store would be welcome if not.

Also, hadn't Morrisons struck a deal with Peacocks to provide clothing in their stores? So could Peacocks in the Merrion become part of the Morrisons store?

I can pretty much assure you that that won't be happening. Based on the number of transactions, the store is their busiest in the country. With all the students, office workers and local degenerates the place is a gold mine.

More likely would be a referb (despite the fact they had one a couple of years ago), as from 2012 they will be looking to rollout their Kirkstall / York / Shrewsbury concept across more, if not all stores.

Certainly in terms of transactions yes but the store doesn't do mad mad money due to it being basket shops. Since the renovation it seems as popular as ever.

The rollout is rumoured from 2012 and it's unclear who will get it first, personally (although we dont have many around here) the ex Safeway stores around the country would be preferable as they are now really looking knackered.

Obviously around these parts we have the well maintained heartland stores such as Hunslet etc.

Concept stores like Kirkstall (Swinton in Manchester, Portobello Edinburgh and St Albans) are performing well - to shamelessly plug my blog (www.uk-retailers.co.uk) it has a load of pictures from the inside of Kirkstall and Swinton to see what they are doing.

Shrewsbury only has the space flex stuff and York is trialling productivity measures, eventually a store will be built that merges them all together. They are test beds before national roll out of initiatives.

I really like the new format Kirkstall store, although it is essentially just the initial fresh food section at the start of the front of the shop that's different - would have been nice to see a more refreshed look in the rest of the store too. However, going in last week, I have to say it's not as good as it was a few months back. The exotic range of fruit and veg has definitely been dramatically scaled down from what it was, which is a massive shame. That said, I can understand why they would probably find it quite hard to shift a lot of their more adventurous stock, especially in somewhere like Kirkstall.

I also recently ventured into their new express store in Ilkley - this is definitely the direction in which Morrisons need to go. The store feels of a much higher quality, the branding is well done, and nice to see the paper price tags replaced by electronic ones (which up until now I had only seen used on the continent).

I agree that the format of Kirkstall, at least the concept fruit/veg area, is very good and should be rolled out to all stores asap.

The scaffolding has come down from the KFC/Coral/Greggs block. Looking nice.

I really like the new format Kirkstall store, although it is essentially just the initial fresh food section at the start of the front of the shop that's different - would have been nice to see a more refreshed look in the rest of the store too. However, going in last week, I have to say it's not as good as it was a few months back. The exotic range of fruit and veg has definitely been dramatically scaled down from what it was, which is a massive shame. That said, I can understand why they would probably find it quite hard to shift a lot of their more adventurous stock, especially in somewhere like Kirkstall.

I also recently ventured into their new express store in Ilkley - this is definitely the direction in which Morrisons need to go. The store feels of a much higher quality, the branding is well done, and nice to see the paper price tags replaced by electronic ones (which up until now I had only seen used on the continent).

The problem is that some of the vegetables may well be out of season / difficult to source / higher in price so as to limit their appeal.

It's an ever changing range but naturally some will be discontinued due to the poor sales.

Ilkley is a great store, again, if you look at July there are loads of pictures pre opening (1hr before) so shop is perfect and brand new. The Wilmslow store in Manchester is similar and nicely fitted out.

Don't think i've been in one of these concept stores, what's the crack?

The one in Rothwell is rather new, but i don't think that's one?

Interesting that a unit has been pre let/under offer to Cosmo here considering the recent planning application for the change of use for one of the units at The Core was supposed to be for Cosmo.

MSU5 is on Level 2, unit is highlighted here from the planning documents for the application.

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/4387/cosmoleedssiteplan.jpg

The restaurant will be Cosmo, a buffet style restaurant. http://www.cosmo-restaurants.co.uk/index.html

Well the plans for the upcoming Merrion revamp along Merrion Way suggest that the arcade is to be blocked off for 'Service Access' at the end near the o2 store (unfortunately the map of the plans doesn't show any more than that). It could well be that Morrisons expands into that area.

The latest floor plan (see my post #421) retains the arcade. Unit 1, adjacent to it, has also halved in size.

Don't think i've been in one of these concept stores, what's the crack?

The one in Rothwell is rather new, but i don't think that's one?

Yep Rothwell is new but not a concept, this is the sort of thing they'll be rolling out to all stores.

Best link is here : http://ukretailers.blogspot.com/2011/04/kirkstall-ever-moving-feast-store.html

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/central-leeds/leeds_shopping_centre_13_million_revamp_1_3902193

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/central-leeds/leeds_shopping_centre_13_million_revamp_1_3902193

Good to know the Wade Lane side is getting updated too. Wonder if there's any plans to spruce up the hotel there while they're at it.

I know someone who works at that hotel, she always refers to it as 'Fawlty Towers', so I don't imagine the standard is great!

Most people will be happy if more improvements are made - but this seems to include work which had been announced before like the car park reclad. Still if this and the new Front Row developement go ahead it will be a big improvement on that side.

Details on all the units currently available, including the former cinema: http://www.brassrow.co.uk/shopping-centre.php?id=7

Does anyone have a copy of the floor plan for inside the Merrion? Not seen one for a while. Be interesting to see what they plan to do with the remaining parts of the Merrion Centre that have yet to be rennovated...

http://www.brassrow.co.uk/pdfs/centre_7.pdf

Merrion Centre in Leeds awaits refurbishment plan

On Merrion Way the centre will face the new Leeds Arena
Continue reading the main story
Related Stories
Leeds Arena building work starts
Arena details approved by council

A shopping centre in Leeds said to be the largest in Europe when it opened in 1964 will be refurbished if a £13m pound plan is approved.

Leeds councillors will hear a planning application for the Merrion Centre that may see work start early next year.

When it opened it contained 97 shops, a ballroom, cinema and petrol station.

The owners, Leeds-based Town Centre Securities (LST), want to take advantage of the nearby Leeds Arena, currently under construction.

The project is to be completed in March 2013 just as the arena is planned to open.

New shops, restaurants and a revamped multi-storey car park are part of the redevelopment and the outdated market inside the centre will be replaced.
'More attractive'

Construction work started in 1962 and the pedestrianised centre was opened in 1964.

Originally open-air the whole centre was then roofed over and only finished in 1975, since when it has been largely unchanged.

Speaking about the plans for the centre, Edward Ziff, chairman and chief executive of LST, said: "Part of it is aged and needs reconfiguring.

"The core buildings are still the same as they were."

Mr Ziff added that the redevelopment hoped to create "something much more attractive".

The centre covers about 800,000 sq ft (75,000 sq m) of retail, office, leisure and car parking space on the northern fringe of the city centre.

A decision on the planning application will be made on 24 November after it was deferred at a council meeting on Thursday.

said to be the largest in Europe when it opened in 1964

'Said' the YEP. :lol:

Guess it shows bigger certainly ain't better :nuts:

'Said' the YEP. :lol:

Nice feature last night on Look North about the history and future of the Merrion Centre. Look North also Quoted that the Merrion Centre was the largest indoor shopping centre in Europe when it first opened.

Nice feature last night on Look North about the history and future of the Merrion Centre. Look North also Quoted that the Merrion Centre was the largest indoor shopping centre in Europe when it first opened.

It wasn't indoor when it first opened though? :lol:

There is certainly a lot of development potential at the Merrion. The cinema must be a huge, presumably double height space. I assume any redevelopment would see the Yorkshire Bank ATM's would be removed to allow access from the main concourse?
I've thought that HomeBargains taking the former Wollies is a bit of a shame, a great small/medium side department store could have opened there - although Im sure space could be found for them to relocate to. Im thinking of the new John Lewis smaller stores, for example. Of course, JL are already signed up to TCS's Eastgate development and Im not sure the Merrion is an obvious fit for JL.

Nice feature last night on Look North about the history and future of the Merrion Centre. Look North also Quoted that the Merrion Centre was the largest indoor shopping centre in Europe when it first opened.

That's no definitive proof. Look North probably used the YEP as a source. :lol:

Department stores are generally middle-higher end. I don't think there are many that would want to take space in the Merrion Centre- the only one I can think of would be TJ Hughes, but of course they no longer exist.

Noticed that the steelwork on the Merrion Street entrance has been painted* black to match the updated Merrion Street block of shops.

*Actually looks more like they've covered it in decals than painting it.

That's no definitive proof. Look North probably used the YEP as a source. :lol:

I heard from someone at Town Centre Securities that it was the biggest when it opened - for a week.

Department stores are generally middle-higher end. I don't think there are many that would want to take space in the Merrion Centre- the only one I can think of would be TJ Hughes, but of course they no longer exist.

I agree. I can't think of an occupier, off hand, for the cinema space. It might fit the needs of KiddyCare, as in adjacent parking, etc. Again, the Merrion faces the issue that it's core market is probably not KiddyCare's primary target.

Doesn't Morrisons own Kiddicare now, so would make sense for them to be in there?

Construction work started in 1962 and the pedestrianised centre was opened in 1964.

Originally open-air the whole centre was then roofed over and only finished in 1975, since when it has been largely unchanged.

Relatively quick by TCS's Whitehall Riverside standards....

That's no definitive proof. Look North probably used the YEP as a source. :lol:

How much proof do you need ? plus I was there in the mid 60s and the original parts were covered.

How much proof do you need ? plus I was there in the mid 60s and the original parts were covered.

http://merrioncentre.co.uk/about-us
In 1971 construction began on the fifth and final phase of the Merrion Centre. This is the area occupied by Morrisons, Merrion House, Boots, and the Georgian Arcade. Throughout the late 60’s and early 70’s, the Merrion Centre was seen as a soaring symbol of the resurgence of Leeds City. “The North’s Greatest Shopping and Entertainment Precinct”. For a while it was the largest shopping centre of its kind in Europe! In the current environment, with emphasis on mixed-use regeneration, the Merrion Centre with its wide ranging offer and inspiration from American Shopping malls, was clearly ahead of its time. Since then, the Centre has been largely covered over and new glazed roof and entrances were installed in 1997.

New CGI? http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire/news/238794-club-open-as-planning-decision-delayed.html?news_section=7#

There are several more on the YEP version of that story, but so small it's barely worth showing them.

I saw this article in the YEP last week

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/central-leeds/exclusive_images_reveal_future_for_leeds_merrion_centre_1_3914863

I'm confused!! What happened to the godawful Blockbuster style grey and bright pink and green hexagon cladding that was proposed for the new bar and restaurant quarter to replace Merrion Market?

I was also confused, then decided it didn't really matter. As long as it looks better than it does now, I'm happy.

I was also confused, then decided it didn't really matter. As long as it looks better than it does now, I'm happy.

Have they decided to drop that horrible grey, bright pink and bright green cladding proposal and have this instead? I certainly prefer this style looks much more appealing to the eye!!! If this is the case than I'll be over the moon.:banana:

Agree the diamond / St Andrews Cross cladding is certainly better in appearance compared with that Blockbusters style cladding.

There is actually an NCP car park in Nottingham which has that Blockbusters style hexagonal cladding (apt considering Blockbusters was filmed at Central Television in Nottingham back in the day). http://www.google.co.uk/maps?q=Maid+Marian+Way,+Nottingham&hl=en&ll=52.951986,-1.160924&spn=0.006904,0.027466&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=13.888082,39.506836&vpsrc=0&hnear=Maid+Marian+Way,+Nottingham,+United+Kingdom&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=52.95208,-1.152828&panoid=c5-O3qPnOKrOZWKWNyt5oA&cbp=12,262.32,,0,-22.33

Agree the diamond / St Andrews Cross cladding is certainly better in appearance compared with that Blockbusters style cladding.

There is actually an NCP car park in Nottingham which has that Blockbusters style hexagonal cladding (apt considering Blockbusters was filmed in Nottingham back in the day). http://www.google.co.uk/maps?q=Maid+Marian+Way,+Nottingham&hl=en&ll=52.951986,-1.160924&spn=0.006904,0.027466&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=13.888082,39.506836&vpsrc=0&hnear=Maid+Marian+Way,+Nottingham,+United+Kingdom&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=52.95208,-1.152828&panoid=c5-O3qPnOKrOZWKWNyt5oA&cbp=12,262.32,,0,-22.33

At least that was built in the 60's/ 70's when most of the architecture was dreadful. You'd think that architects of the 21st century would have learnt from the awful mistakes of that period.

I seriously think the person who designed that Blockbuster cladding for the Merrion Market bar / restaurant quarter was taking the p**s!!!

Work on the street-level façade is almost complete and doesn't look bad:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j73/xapbpoh/merrionnov11.jpg

i agree talisker not to bad at all.....

Looks much better, and f**k for KFC

Looks much better, and f**k for KFC
All we need next is the rest of it completing and that office block recladding.

From the planning minutes:

A further application was anticipated in 2012 from TCS for treatment to the escalator/well area - this is the old outdoor escalator area I think.


http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/mgAi.aspx?ID=34148

KFC takes over two units!

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_luemrckGoE1qj25m9.gif

6 new renders have been added to the Public Access (https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LPT4N4JB0I400) portal

6 new renders have been added to the Public Access (https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LPT4N4JB0I400) portal

actually looks very good. shame that road can't be pedestrianised...with the new look merrion centre it really suits that possible future

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz325/melfiire/SnapShot65.png
http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz325/melfiire/SnapShot68.png
http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz325/melfiire/SnapShot64.png
http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz325/melfiire/SnapShot63.png

Looking good imo!

Certainly an improvement over what's there now although it could perhaps end up being a bit grey plasticky. Also interesting to note the fake shops such as Bennies and Frankie and Cafe Zero. Wonder how long it will take for there to be some lets in this revamp for this corner of the Merrion Centre?

Wonder how long it will take for there to be some lets in this revamp for this corner of the Merrion Centre?

The only unit 'confirmed' is Cosmo restaurant (pan-asian buffet):
http://www.cosmo-restaurants.co.uk/

It looks fantastic to me!

Yeh, very impressive and a million miles away from what it looks now with horrible green netting all over the car park

Does anyone know what's going to happen to that horrible Stick or Twist Wetherspoons and the Casino? Makes me physcailly sick every time I walk past it. It must be the uglist buidling in Leeds. Surely there are plans to demolish this eyesore!!!

Really nice renders and a big improvement on the earlier proposals. The new designs seem to have been decoupled from the Arena itself compared to the first proposals in that the Arena-like hexagonal pattern has gone together with the "Arena Car Park" signage.

Perhaps a bit plastic, but looks very neet and tidy, with a sharp and appealing geometry to the design. Sitting opposite the arena entrance and the newly proposed hotel at the Casino site, this refurb could be a very important improvement that needs to happen.

A small part of the Woodhouse Lane car park has been stripped back (the section due to become a new service tower). It's a shame the council haven't gone for a re-clad because it's one of the biggest eyesores in Leeds.

A small part of the Woodhouse Lane car park has been stripped back (the section due to become a new service tower). It's a shame the council haven't gone for a re-clad because it's one of the biggest eyesores in Leeds.

I posted this pic in the arena thread but as you mention it here it is again.

http://i41.tinypic.com/eamxzc.jpg

I heard it's only getting partial spruce up. Is this true?

If so what were they thinking?! It's the worst thing to look at in the centre. There are bits of concrete falling off everywhere

There have been renders posted in this thread of how it will look once complete. It won't exactly be Buckingham Palace but it'll look a lot better.

I think the renders are a great improvement on what it looks like at present:) I hate all that green netting covering the car park at the moment. And the buildings current look is absolutely horrible!!!

courtesy of Mr. Rob... :)


It would appear that the Woodhouse Lane car park refurb is due to commence next week (17th Aug), for approximately 15 months. This should improve the appearance and environment of this rather tired looking parking facility.

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2010/11/14/1289744421613/woodhouse_lane_car_park.jpg

I must admit I don't mind Woodhouse Lane MSCP, its very plain and functional and does its job but has been looking a bit neglected as of late. When the concrete is repaired and place given a general spruce up it should be good IMO. I think that Tower North and the plethora of roads/undeveloped sites are the detractors from this part of town.

I've never seen the big problem with that car park, just needs a bit of TLC.

I don't mind the car park.

I noticed on Look North just now that plans to renovate the top end of the Merrion Centre including a refurbishment of the car park and conversion of the little used Merrion Market into new retail / restaurants has been approved. Good to see the approval of more works as a result of the Leeds Arena works. http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/central-leeds/merrion_centre_leeds_retail_scheme_is_making_a_return_1_3992672

Also KFC is of course opening tomorrow. Will anything be happening (thinking special offers)?

Wonder if there will be a mile queue outside when it opens?

From thebusinessdesk.com:

A MULTI-million pound redevelopment of a Yorkshire shopping centre has been given the go-ahead.

Up to 200 extra jobs are expected to be created at the Merrion Centre in Leeds when the scheme is completed.

Property investment and development company Town Centre Securities, which owns and manages the Merrion Centre, will redevelop 80,000 sq ft of retail space into a leisure destination with bars, cafes, restaurants and a gym.

Located next to the new 13,500 capacity Leeds Arena, the scheme will consist of seven new units of up to 30,000 sq ft.

The plans, which were gien the green light by Leeds City Council planning officers yesterday, also include public realm works that will allow for an outdoor area designed for continental–style street café seating.

The development proposals also include work on an existing 1,000 space multi-storey car park at the site, which will undergo a complete refurbishment.

Helen Beckett, associate director at Town Centre Securities, said: “It’s great to get the green light on this important regeneration scheme that could create up to 200 new jobs.

"New Front is in a fantastic location in a busy part of Leeds city centre, which is already popular with shoppers, students and office workers.

"Together with the arena development, we are going to transform this part of the city, injecting new vibrancy and vitality into the area."

Work on the New Front scheme will start early next year.

BDP’s Manchester Studio has been appointed as the architects on the development and Savills and Brassington Rowan are the agents acting for TCS on this scheme.