'Victoria Gate' retail development

[LoveTheCity]

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

[Aaronj09]

Originally Posted by di Livio

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

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

[LeedsLad]

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

[Leeds No.1]

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

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

[Leeds No.1]

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

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

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

[di Livio]

Originally Posted by Skychaser 2005

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

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

[LoveTheCity]

Originally Posted by Leeds No.1

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

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

[Leeds No.1]

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

[Shiny_Dave]

Another exclusive press release for Insider Media:

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Leeds No.1]

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

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

[CityCentreChef]

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.u...ight_1_3865763

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

[Leeds No.1]

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

[Aaronj09]

I do feel kind of sorry for them though..

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

[Regener8tor]

Originally Posted by Aaronj09

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

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

[Leeds No.1]

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

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

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

[Regener8tor]

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

[Immunda Leodis]

Originally Posted by Aaronj09

I do feel kind of sorry for them though..

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

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

[Leeds No.1]

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

[Immunda Leodis]

Originally Posted by Leeds No.1

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

How?

[Leeds No.1]

... how is it not?

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