John Lewis Joins Leeds

It was revealed yesterday that the retailer, John Lewis has signed an agreement for lease at the Eastgate Quarteres Scheme.

This is a great result for the developer Hammerson and Town Centre Securities’ who last year signed Marks and Spencer.

The lease taken by John Lewis at the mixed use development in Leeds town centre is for 275,000sq ft and will be ready to punters in 2010. The move by John Lewis is part of their overall expansion, increasing their number of units from the current 26 to 55.

Planning permission for the development was granted in February 2007 and the Leeds Partnership - Hammerson and Town Centre Securities - is currently developing detailed designs for the scheme, following the appointment of its architectural team earlier this year.

A compulsory purchase order (CPO) allowing land to be assembled for the Eastgate Quarters scheme was given the green light by Department for Communities and Local Government earlier this month.

David Atkins, managing director for UK retail at Hammerson, said: ‘Securing John Lewis and Marks & Spencer as anchor tenants is an exceptionally powerful combination for both retailers and consumers. The strength of the retail offer combined with dynamic architecture, ensures Eastgate Quarters will become a thriving and successful part of the city.’