"A truly unique development" Victoria Gate opens its doors in Leeds

Leeds is rapidly becoming one of the top shopping destinations of the North, as the city welcomed the opening of latest retail scheme today, on October 20, namely Victoria Gate. The new shopping destination, which first went under construction in April, 2014, will officially open its doors to the public today, following an opening ceremony at 9 am.

Marked as the only major retail initiative to launch in the UK in 2016, the 165 million pounds shopping and leisure destination is said to be property tycoon Hammerson’s latest regeneration project. Located adjacent to Leeds luxury shopping destination, Victoria Quarter arcade, the two now form part of the new 53,400 square meter Victoria Leeds shopping district.

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Victoria Gate and Victoria Quarter become Northern England's largest premium retail destination

Together Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate create the largest premium retail and leisure venue in Norther England, a move which sees Leeds ranked as the UK’s third best place to shop retail rankings from Javelin. The new retail scheme is anchored by a flagship John Lewis store, which happens to be the first in Leeds as well as the largest outside of London. Spanning two street arcades, Victoria Gate retail offering includes 30 new brands and restaurants to the area.

“This is a truly unique development and there is nothing else like it in the UK. We are confident that Victoria Gate will set new standards for retail across Europe as it becomes an iconic piece of Leeds’ retail heritage,” said David Atkins, CEO at Hammerson. “Whilst transforming the city’s luxury and aspirational shopping and dining offer, Victoria Gate will also provide a significant contribution to Leeds’ local economy with the city now set to become the undisputed regional shopping capital of the North.”

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With 90 percent of the retail space let, fashion retailers who open their doors to shoppers in Leeds today include Russell & Bromley, Gant, Hackett, Tommy Hilfiger, Joules, Aspinal of London and Anthropologie. 77 percent of the retail line-up are debuting in Leeds for the first time. In order to ensure the new shopping destination fulfils all customer expectations with a best-in-class shopping experience, Victoria Gate’s offers “exceptional” customer service, click & collect services, gift wrapping, currency exchange as well as a luxury concierge service.

In addition, Hammerson has ensured that the development of Victoria Gate upholds its sustainability standards, targeting a BREEAM Excellent. Victoria Gate is said to have played a key role in regenerating a substantial part of Leeds which had been under-utilised, while supporting the local community throughout its development. Together with the with Leeds Community Foundation, the Victoria Gate Fund has provided 30,000 pounds of funding and supported 12 local projects in Leeds.

“Victoria Gate is already making a big impact on Leeds,” said Leeds City Council Leader Councillor Judith Blake. “It has introduced a significant number of employment opportunities locally. It is a striking scheme which has redefined the skyline in that sector of the city centre and its opening will further cement Leeds’ place as one of the best places to shop and visit in the UK. I’m delighted to welcome its opening on behalf of the city and I’m confident it will be a fantastic addition to our existing diverse offer of independent, high street and luxury retailers.”

Photos and images: Victoria Gate, Hammerson, website and Facebook