John Lewis to anchor £800m Leeds scheme

John Lewis is to anchor the £800 million Eastgate Quarters scheme in Leeds, which is being developed by Hammerson and Town Centre Securities.

The retailer will join Marks and Spencer, which signed as an anchor to the 1.5 million sq ft scheme earlier this year, Property Week reports.

David Atkins, managing director for UK retail at Hammerson, told the publication: "Securing John Lewis and Marks and Spencer as anchor tenants is an exceptionally powerful combination for both retailers and consumers.

"The strength of the retail offer combined with dynamic architecture ensures Eastgate Quarters will become a thriving and successful part of the city."

Planning permission was granted in February 2007 for the scheme which will create more than 100 shops, a restaurant district and up to 600 homes.

The Department for Communities and Local Government agreed a compulsory purchase order of land earlier this month to allow the project to go ahead.

John Lewis currently has 26 department stores across the UK and plans to open units in Leicester, Cardiff, Oxford and Leeds.

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