Land Securities has confirmed that work will restart this week on its
1,000,000 sq ft Trinity Leeds retail scheme. Laing O’Rourke have been appointed as principal contractor for the
£100m plus construction contract.
Work on the project originally halted 16 months ago, but since then Land
Securities have been working to secure leases in the shopping centre.
The development is already some 47% pre-let or in solicitors' hands and has
attracted new flagship stores for TopShop/TopMan, H&M, River Island and
Next and secured new brands for the city with Hollister and Cult.
The new retailers will join the existing major stores of Marks &
Spencer, Bhs and Boots. The scheme is due to open in spring 2013.
The £350m project will create up to 1,000 construction jobs
at the peak of its development programme and will employ an estimated
3,000 retail positions upon completion.
Councillor Keith Wakefield, chair of the Leeds Initiative, today welcomed the news of a
summer start for work on the Trinity Leeds city centre shopping and
leisure development.
He said:
"This is excellent
news for Leeds, both in terms of the jobs being created and the major
enhancement that the scheme will bring to the city centre and its
shopping and leisure offer.
"With continuing economic uncertainty
affecting regional centres across the country, resumption of work on the
Trinity Leeds development comes as a timely vote of confidence in our
city.
"The scheme will bring welcome opportunities for business
and for local people to gain skills and employment."