Victoria Gate Opens Its Doors To A Big Leeds Welcome

Wednesday, 19 October 2016 10:46

Leeds is getting set to welcome a spectacular new shopping experience to the city this week as the impressive Victoria Gate throws open its doors to the public tomorrow (Oct 20).

People are being advised by Leeds City Council to plan their journeys carefully on the day to take into account the large numbers anticipated to attend the scheme’s opening.

Crowds are expected to converge on the city centre to be among the first to take a look at what the £165 million luxury shopping and leisure destination has to offer. Organisers have systems in place to ensure visitors have an enjoyable an experience as possible.

Vicar Lane will be closed for the day from its junction with Eastgate/The Headrow to George Street as the opening celebration performances and showcase events take place, and George Street itself will have no public access (except for market traders up to 8.30am).

Public transport and city centre car parks, including the new Victoria Gate multi-storey, are expected to be very busy. The Leeds City Ambassadors and The Welcome People (Leeds BID ambassadors) will be out in force to help welcome and direct people to the opening.

Latest figures just published show 522 new jobs opportunities were created as part of Victoria Gate’s construction and opening and 28 new or existing apprentices have also been supported in working there.

Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said:

“We’re delighted to be welcoming Victoria Gate to Leeds and it’s fantastic to see such a major new development bringing jobs, investment and visitors to our city. This is in retail terms a very significant opening."

“I’d like to thank both the developers Hammerson and John Lewis for their commitment to our jobs charter, which has led to quality construction, apprenticeship and ongoing retail employment opportunities in our city. It is extremely important to us to ensure everyone can share the benefits of our city’s economic success.”

“Meanwhile, we’d ask anyone coming to the city centre on Thursday, whether you’re joining the opening celebrations or here for a different purpose, to check the travel advice and bear in mind it will probably take longer to get to your destination, particularly in the morning.”

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