City House – developers Bruntwood have unveiled their plans to redevelop the building, which sits almost on top of the railway station. The newly clad building will be faced mainly in a glazed curtain walling system which will not only dramatically improve the appearance of the building but will also change the skyline and, hopefully, improve the experience of travellers arriving at and leaving this entrance to the station.
Over 99% of the Morgans portfolio of city centre properties are currently occupied, which is a record. With little new supply coming to the market over the next few years, this looks likely to remain the case for some time. Experts across sectors are predicting a permanent expansion in the private rented sector and with some encouragement from the recent budget, it may be time for the larger institutions, such as insurance companies and funds, to re-enter the market.
Plans for a new £14.4m southern entrance to Leeds Station have been given the go-ahead by transport secretary Philip Hammond. Metro chairman Councilor Chris Greaves said: “This announcement that our revised bid for the scheme has been approved will be extremely good news for the thousands of rail passengers from across West Yorkshire for whom the new entrance will mean quicker and more convenient daily access to train services. The project, which could be completed by the end of 2013, will also go some way to improving the station?s status as a gateway to Leeds.
Earthworks on the 13,500 capacity Leeds Arena have now started with diggers moving on to the city centre building site to break the ground. The work represents a landmark in the construction of the concert and events venue as the two-year building program gets underway.
Councilor Richard Lewis, the Leeds City Council executive member responsible for city development, said: “This is a very exciting phase of what is a hugely important £60m construction project for Leeds. “The arena will bring an additional one million visitors to the city. Construction is expected to complete by 2013.
With the steel frame now almost complete, developers Land Securities have further lettings to Hollister, Cult, Yo Sushi, Carlucios and Apple and there is also talk of two rooftop restaurant lettings on the Trinity Church side of the scheme. The centre is due to open for Easter 2013 and is already 60% let- according to Landsec;
“Trinity Quarter is set to elevate Leeds into 4th place in the UK retail hierarchy upon opening, Trinity Leeds will become the focal point at the heart of the city and joins the aspirations of the city to become among the best in European destinations”
Leeds city centre’s flagship retail scheme seems a step closer with the developers, Land Securities, claiming that they are nearing their target for pre-let. Joining existing tenants M and S and Top Shop will be Next, Republic and Hollister, according to recent rumours.
In difficult economic conditions, this will be a real boost for the city, both in terms of construction activity as well as bringing in new and much lauded brands.
There has been a distinct lack of exciting news in the city centre retail scene but there has been a rush of recent activity- Waitrose are to open a 7000 sqft city centre store in The Core on Albion Street/The Headrow, Pizza Express are opening another restaurant in Albion Place, Patisserie Valerie has opened in Albion Place and Kath Kidston has opened in Lands Lane.
The latest in Mr Oliver’s very long string of ventures has now opened in Park Row in the form of ‘Jamie’s Italian’. If you don’t mind queuing (no bookings taken) and you love Italian food , this is for you. Following hot on his heels is San Carlo, which will open in South Parade in August – if you don’t know the brand- their closest restaurant is in Manchester-it’s like a cross between Bibi’s and the Flying Pizza
£500,000 is being spent on the new cycle point at Leeds city station, housed on what some of you might remember as the Streamline Taxi office.
The re-modelled building will accommodate 300 cycle stands along with a staffed retail and repair area.
The council has now granted itself planning permission for the new arena and appointed BAM Construction to build it! It is expected that the Arena will hold up to 142 world class events including concerts, comedy, ice shows and sport. Uniquely, every seat in the 13,500 seater arena will have clear views of centre stage.
