Shopping centre Trinity Leeds is now 90 per cent pre-let, just two months before it is set to open its doors for the first time, it has been announced today.
Property firm Land Securities, which is developing the £350 million project, said that the centre has almost reached capacity, adding that the overall occupancy rate for its retail portfolio now stands at 97.1 per cent.
Latest additions to the Leeds-based centre, which have seen the scheme leap from 76 per cent let to 90 per cent, include Armani Exchange and Coast which will sit alongside brands including Victoria Secrets, Mango and Topshop.
Providing hundreds of jobs for construction workers, the centre is expected to substantially increase annual retail spend in the area and John Grimes, Leasing Manager at Land Securities, said that the build has been a catalyst for other initiatives across the city.
He added: “Trinity Leeds is the only major retail development in the UK to launch this year and with its unique position, uniting the three busiest shopping streets in the city centre ensuring exceptional footfall, it‘s no wonder big brands are queuing up to come to Leeds.
“Trinity Leeds will reshape the heart of the city by bringing together the best of the UK high street, national and international brands plus a new and exciting restaurant offering.
“Our confidence in the success of this new development is mirrored by our retail partners and together we will create a retail beacon for the UK and a centre that offers a shopping experience ahead of the curve.”
Meanwhile, Land Securities has also announced today that its Glasgow-based development, 185-221 Buchanan Street, is now 99 per cent let ahead of its opening on 22nd March 2013, which will see the firm open two kilometres of shops within 24 hours following the opening of Trinity Leeds a day earlier.
Commenting on the company‘s overall results, Land Securities‘ CEO Robert Noel said: “This was a good quarter with continued momentum in development lettings and a strong operational performance across our investment portfolio.
“Encouragingly, interest levels in both our London and Retail portfolios remain high.
“With our disciplined approach, we remain focused on our clear plan to invest in and develop the right space in the right place at the right time, utilising the strength of our balance sheet.
“We have good levels of interest in all our schemes and we are confident that our strategy will continue to deliver growth for shareholders.”
