Plans have been unveiled for a major expansion of the White Rose shopping centre in Leeds that could create hundreds of new jobs.
The proposed scheme includes a cinema, new restaurants and cafes and more shops, including extensions to the existing Debenhams and Primark stores.
Land Centre Securities, which owns and manages the site near Morley, is expected to submit a planning application for 120,000 sq ft of shops and 65,000 sq ft of leisure space later this year.
The company says if its plans are approved by the council, they will bring hundreds of new jobs adding to the 3,500 people already employed at the centre.
Land Securities’ portfolio director Gerald Jennings said: “Since its opening in March 1997, White Rose has proved extremely successful, attracting up to 13 million shoppers a year and providing employment for thousands of people.
“An indication of the centre’s strong performance over the past 15 years is the fact that Debenhams, which has been at White Rose since the centre opened, is looking to increase its floorspace and Primark, which opened in 2006, also wishes to expand.”
“If our planning application is approved, it will enable the expansion of both stores, see the introduction of new catering outlets and the opening of the only cinema in south Leeds, which will be a valuable amenity for the local community.
“This investment, combined with the £350 million that we are investing in Trinity Leeds in the city centre, is designed to strengthen the city’s overall retail and leisure offer.”
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Coun Judith Elliott (Morley Borough Independents, Morley South) said there was a strong partnership between the White Rose and Morley Town Centre which would continue and people in the town would benefit from new job opportunities.
The proposals will be on display at a public exhibition at Morley Town Hall between 11am and 8pm on September 14 and at the White Rose Shopping Centre from 10am to 5pm on September 15.
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