City site could see new hotel or offices go ahead

Leeds City Council intends to refurbish the street that sits between the £150m Victoria Gate centre and Kirkgate Market, which is undergoing a £12m revamp.

It is currently searching for a developer to improve the 0.3-acre row of existing shops on George Street, part of which dates back to the 1930s.

The move is aimed at encouraging Victoria Gate shoppers to visit Kirkgate Market.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, Martin Farrington, the council’s director of city development, said new levels will be created on top of the existing shops, which could be turned into apartments, offices or a hotel.

He said: “If you look at the site, there will be a new John Lewis on one side and the newly-developed Kirkgate Market on the other.

“When you look at the current presentation of George Street, it becomes quite clear that we need to bring forward a new development in that area.”

Current tenants include a fish and chip shop, hairdressers, a newsagents and a Chinese grocery store.

Tenants would have the opportunity to agree new leases or be bought out. “In the end I think it will end up being a mixture of old and new tenants,” Mr Farrington said.

He added: “It creates an opportunity for independents to trade in the heart of Leeds city centre and that is where the strength of Leeds shopping will come after all the other developments.”

The plan feeds into the council’s refurbishment proposals for the Grade One-listed Kirkgate Market.

The redeveloped shops will be dual facing to enable access from both George Street and from within the market.

The development, which could be complete by 2015/16, will also improve existing entrances into the market from George Street to make them more prominent.

Hammerson started construction on Victoria Gate in April.

The development, which is due to open in September 2016, includes a 250,000 sq ft John Lewis plus 100,000 sq ft of new shop and leisure units, a 50,000 sq ft casino and an 800-space multi-storey car park.

Meanwhile, work on the improvement and refurbishment of Kirkgate Market is due to start on site early in 2015 and completed by summer 2016.

The overhaul is hoped to breathe new life into the structure and layout of a retail destination that dates back to 1822.

The council is currently inviting expressions of interest from potential developers to refurbish the George Street shops and provide new ground floor and first floor commercial space, which would be retained and managed by the council.

The appointed development partner will also build, retain and manage new development on the second, third and fourth floors levels, which could comprise apartments, offices or a hotel.

This new space will remain under the control of the development partner.

Mr Farrington said: “This is a development opportunity next to the new John Lewis, which would also look on to the market. It’s a unique opportunity that hasn’t come to market before in this way.”

Developers have until September 24 to register their interest before entering into a competition for the project.