A multi-million pound redevelopment of a Leeds shopping centre has been given the go-ahead.

Up to 200 extra jobs are expected to be created at the Merrion Centre in Leeds when the scheme is completed.

Property investment and development company

Town Centre Securities, which owns and manages the Merrion Centre, will redevelop 80,000 sq ft of retail space into a leisure destination with bars, cafes, restaurants and a gym.

Located next to the new 13,500 capacity Leeds Arena, the scheme will consist of seven new units of up to 30,000 sq ft.

The plans, which were given the green light by Leeds City Council planning officers yesterday, also include public realm works that will allow for an outdoor area designed for continental–style street café seating.

The development proposals also include work on an existing 1,000 space multi-storey car park at the site, which will undergo a complete refurbishment.

Helen Beckett, associate director at Town Centre Securities, said: “It’s great to get the green light on this important regeneration scheme that could create up to 200 new jobs.

“New Front 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.”

Work on the New Front scheme will start early next year. BDP’s Manchester Studio has been appointed as the architects on the development and Savills and Brassington Rowan are the agents acting for TCS on this scheme.

Published with permisssion of TheBusinessDesk.com