A new horizon is emerging in Leeds as major development and investment projects re-shape the city’s skyline. The distinctive profile of Bridgewater Place, Leeds' tallest building, can already be seen from miles around.

 

Major office developments in the city centre reflect the rapid growth of the financial and business services sector.  Companies such as Addleshaw Goddard, PricewaterhouseCoopers, First Direct and BT have demonstrated their confidence in Leeds by investing in new, purpose-built offices.

 

Total office stock in the city centre stands at nearly 11 million sq ft.

 

A partnership of leading developers has been formed to redevelop West End Leeds, creating over 3 million sq ft of prime office space, residential, hotels and leisure space.

 

On the retail side, major refurbishment programmes are underway at the Merrion Centre, The Core (formerly the Headrow Shopping Centre) and Broad Gate (the former Allders store).

The £650 million Trinity Leeds, opening in 2010, will see the redevelopment of over 1 million sq ft of prime retail space in the city centre. 

 

The £800 million Eastgate Quarters, being developed by Hammerson and Town Centre Securities, will create up to 1.25 million sq ft of new retail space. The scheme is anchored by a  260,000 sq ft store for the John Lewis Partnership.

 

Public sector investment totalling £3 billion has been earmarked for major housing, education, healthcare, transport and regeneration schemes. The investment programme will ensure Leeds has the infrastructure in place to sustain current and projected levels of economic development.

 

Innovation in design has played a major role in the city’s renaissance, with award-winning developments such as Princes Exchange, The Light and City Square setting new standards in urban design.

 

Major investment is taking place in the Quarry Hill area of the city. Home to West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds College of Music and the BBC’s new regional headquarters, the area is fast emerging as Leeds’ new cultural quarter. 

 

Redevelopment of the waterfront area was spearheaded by the opening of the Royal Armouries, and is continuing with the £250 million Clarence Dock and £125 million Brewery Wharf.

 

Sports and leisure facilities in Leeds have been enhanced with the £14 million swimming and diving centre at the John Charles Centre for Sport in South Leeds.

 

Investment in new cultural facilities has seen the creation of the new £27 million Leeds City Museum and the £31.5 million refurbishment of The Grand Theatre.

 

Holbeck Urban Village, a new business and residential community developing to the immediate south of the city centre, is expected to attract up to £800 million worth of investment.

 

Completion of the £32 million East Leeds Link Road will open up 250 hectares of development land within the Aire Valley Leeds, one of the largest regeneration areas in the North of England.