Planning granted for £13 million shopping centre development in Leeds

The scheme would provide 80,000 sq ft of shops and 210,000 sq ft would be used to provide bars, cafés, restaurants, a gym and a bowling alley. The plans, approved by Leeds City Council's planning committee on Thursday, also include the refurbishment of the centre's 1,000-space multi-storey car park and new public realm. 

Situated opposite the new Leeds Arena, the Merrion Centre plans to take advantage of the positive impact this could have. 

“This scheme is yet another vote of confidence in Leeds as a premier retail destination. It also proves the power of cultural venues to act as magnets for footfall," said Jon Riley, planning expert at Pinsent Masons.

 "With both the 'Leeds Arena' and Land Securities’ 'Trinity Leeds' retail scheme coming forward in parallel with the Merrion Centre, 2013 it is going to be a big year for Leeds,” said Riley. 

The planning committee recommended approval for the Merrion scheme subject to appropriate conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement. TCS and Leeds City Council have already agreed a number of section 106 contributions, which include a travel plan and monitoring fee of £3000; employment and training initiatives; a section 106 management fee of £1500 and; a public transport contribution of between £11,670  and £99,372. 

Following the grant of planning permission, TCS has said it plans to start work on the scheme in February 2012. It is hoped the development will be completed before the opening of the Leeds Arena to fully capitalise on the benefits that offers, the developer said. 

"New Front (Merrion Shopping centre)is in a fantastic location in a busy part of Leeds city centre, which is already popular with shoppers, students and office workers. Together with the arena development, we are going to transform this part of the city, injecting new vibrancy and vitality into the area," said Helen Beckett, associate director at TCS.