The Leeds Partnership, a joint venture between Hammerson plc and Leeds-based Town Centre Securities plc has appointed six of the most talented architectural practices and designers to deliver its 140,000 m² retail-led mixed used regeneration scheme of Leeds city centre.

With design excellence a priority for the scheme, a strategic design review panel consisting of The Leeds Partnership, Leeds City Council and John Lewis was created to ensure the architectural aspirations of the Sir Terry Farrell master plan for the scheme are realised.

The six month selection process involved an international search to ensure the most exciting talent and expertise in urban regeneration was identified. 70 practices were initially identified, and following a comprehensive design review a shortlist was invited to submit designs for the project. The six practices selected to deliver the scheme are:

• The Jerde Partnership
• Benoy
• Heatherwick Studio
• Acme Space
• John McAslan + Partners
• Gross Max

Eastgate Quarters, located between the civic quarter and the existing retail district will comprise three distinct areas blending dynamic new architecture with original buildings and streets. The project will create more than 100 new shops together with a restaurant district and up to 600 new homes.

Los Angeles-based The Jerde Partnership, in collaboration with Benoy, have been chosen to design Templar Street. Comprising 84,000 m² of retail, Templar Street will be home to the best of British high street retailers, including the recently announced 18,250m² Marks & Spencer anchor store.

Heatherwick Studio will design Harewood Courts, adjacent to the Victoria Arcade, home to Harvey Nichols. Harewood Courts will be the new home for classic designer labels and international luxury brands with up to 200 designer homes above the retail units.

Recently formed architectural practice Acme Space has been appointed for the 26,000 m² John Lewis anchor store. The flagship store for the retailer will be its first store in the city and strengthen its regional offer.

John McAslan + Partners will be responsible for the sensitive restoration of the listed buildings within the scheme, such as the Templar Building and Eastgate, originally designed and inspired by Sir Reginald Blomfield, responsible for London’s Regent Street terraces.

Edinburgh-based Gross Max will deliver the schemes public realm. The creation of thoughtfully designed public realm is essential to the success of the scheme ensuring a congruent flow between both the different styles or architecture and the neighbouring parts of the city.

Jon Emery, Managing Director for UK Development commented: “This is possibly the most creative architectural team that has been formed to take forward a city centre regeneration project of this scale. Their selection demonstrates our commitment to a vision of the future of retail and the fantastic opportunity that Eastgate Quarters presents. I believe that it will not only be world class but world best. This is an exceptional scheme in an exceptional city.”

Edward Ziff, Chairman of Town Centre Securities plc added: “The assembled architectural team is fantastic news for Leeds and will firmly establish the City on an international stage.

John Thorpe, Civic Architect, Leeds City Council: "An original and creative competitive process has led to the selection of a group of practices who I believe will bring both individuality and complementarity to the detailed design stages of this highly significant city centre project.
I look forward, with my colleagues, to engaging in the evolution of the project with such a remarkable range of design talents"

Planning permission for the scheme was granted for the scheme in February 2007and it is anticipated that construction of Eastgate Quarters will begin in 2009, with completion in 2012.  Commencement of the designs will be staged over the coming months.

Architects chosen for £800 million Eastgate retail scheme download file