Hammerson : Victoria Gate confirms October opening date

Hammerson confirms that Victoria Gate, its £165 million development in Leeds, and the anchor tenant John Lewis will open its doors to the public for the first time on Thursday 20th October, 2016.

Set to transform the city's aspirational retail, dining and leisure offer, Victoria Gate will become part of the new 53,400m2 (575,000 sq ft) Victoria Estate shopping district, which also includes Leeds' Victoria Quarter arcades.

Anchored by a flagship John Lewis, the scheme is currently 74% pre-let and will also boast new retailers and restaurants including Russell & Bromley, Aspinal of London, Le Pain Quotidien, Neom Organics, T2, GANT, Hackett, Tommy Hilfiger, Anthropologie and international restaurant group D&D. Introducing so many new brands to the city will firmly establish the Victoria Estate as a hub for premium shopping and dining in the North of the UK.

Robin Dobson, Director of Retail Development at Hammerson said: 'It is great to be able to confirm the official launch date for Victoria Gate as the 20th October. Ideally timed for pre-Christmas trade we are delighted to bring this new and iconic retail destination to Leeds and one that is set to be the largest premium retail and leisure destination outside of London. We look forward to disclosing further detail about the launch celebrations shortly.'

James Prince, Head of Branch at John Lewis Leeds, said: 'I can't wait for John Lewis Leeds to open its doors for the first time. It's our most service and experiential led shop to date, as we continue to offer more for customers that can't be replicated online. My new team of Partners are really looking forward to serving the people of Leeds and welcoming everyone on opening day.'

Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, added: 'The opening of Victoria Gate and John Lewis represents another ground breaking moment in the development of our city centre. It brings hundreds of jobs and training opportunities to the city for people who live here and confirms Leeds as one of the most attractive retail destinations in the country.

'The opening comes at the optimum time for shoppers and retailers in the pre-Christmas period, attracting people from across the country into the city. It will add to the already superb mix of shops and traders in the area who, with the variety and vibrancy they represent together, make Leeds a truly unrivalled retail experience.'

ENDS