Property firm Land Securities has announced today that it will open two kilometres of shops within 24 hours next year when it opens two new retail developments.
As part of the firm‘s continued investment in the UK retail market which hopes to rejuvenate the lagging economy, it will open shopping centre Trinity Leeds on the first day of Spring, March 21st 2013.
The first major shopping centre development to begin since the start of the recession, Trinity Leeds is a £350 million project which is expected to create over 3,500 retail jobs upon opening.
Expected to spur a considerable increase in retail spend in the city, the centre is the size of 13 football pitches and is now 84 per cent pre-let or in solicitors‘ hands.
Fashion retailer Primark is set to open a ‘superstore‘ at the venue while Superdry, Mango, Hollister and restaurant group D&D London are just some of the new market entrants coming to Leeds for the first time.
Des Gunewardena of D&D London said of the scheme: “Trinity Leeds is an important venture for us.
“Leeds has a significant and sophisticated business scene, and is a city where people enjoy eating out.
“Working with Land Securities, we wanted to be a part of what we think will be a very successful retail and leisure destination.”
Meanwhile, the group has confirmed it will also open development 185-221 Buchanan Street in Glasgow on March 22nd 2012, which will offer over 115,000 sq ft of retail space.
185-221 Buchanan Street is a £61 million project, is 99 per cent let or in solicitors‘ and will contain a number of flagships from the likes of Paperchase, which will be the retailer‘s first Scottish flagship as well as US fashion brand Forever 21.
Linda Chang, Global Marketing Director for Forever 21, said of the opening: “Forever 21 is always looking for unique retail spaces to complement the brand.
“We are excited to open our first store in Scotland at 185-221 Buchanan Street in Glasgow, Scotland where we will be able to offer all of the latest trends to Glasgow‘s most fashionable shoppers in more than 61,000 square feet of retail space.”
Glasgow is the UK‘s second largest retail destination while Buchanan Street is one of its busiest high streets, highlighting the firm‘s commitment to improving regional towns and cities.
Lester Hampson, Head of Retail Development at Land Securities said:“Land Securities is bringing an extra two kilometres of retail frontage to the UK market in one day.
“Our confidence in the success of both the Trinity Leeds and Buchanan Street schemes sends a very clear message to the international market: the UK economy is growing, and is open for business.
“With our unrivalled knowledge of the retail market, Land Securities is the partner of choice for ambitious retailers.”
