(4 Aug 2010)
Land Securities confirmed that work will start on site this week on its 1,000,000 sq ft Trinity Leeds scheme in Leeds city centre. Land Securities has appointed Laing O’Rourke as principal contractor for the £100m plus construction contract.
Given the go ahead last week, this is the first major retail led development to start outside of London and is scheduled for completion in spring 2013. It is estimated that, at peak, up to 1,000 construction workers will be on site delivering Trinity Leeds. Many of these positions will be secured locally through Laing O’Rourke and its regional supply chain, while future initiatives from Laing O'Rourke will bolster local training and skills development. Trinity Leeds will also employ some 3,000 retail related positions upon completion.
Andrew Dudley, head of the project for Land Securities Retail, said: “To be the first developer to announce that we are starting such a substantial retail development scheme, demonstrates our confidence in Leeds and the Trinity Leeds project. We are very pleased to be able to confirm Laing O’Rourke as the principal contractor, especially given their experience of the project through the demolition phase.”
Dan Doherty, Regional Director for Laing O’Rourke, added “It is a privilege to work on a scheme of this magnitude and to have been appointed to deliver the only major retail development in the UK at this time. Our project team is eager to recommence work on site to begin delivering this exciting shopping destination.”
The development in Leeds city centre is already some 47% pre-let or in solicitors’ hands bringing together the best of the UK high street, premier brands and international retailers. Trinity Leeds will transform the shopping zone around Briggate, Commercial Street, Albion Street and Boar Lane and occupy a prime position connected to the city’s office quarter and main transportation links.
The development programme will allow the continuity of trade for existing retailers. A community liaison officer will be appointed in the near future to ensure community members and other stakeholders are kept informed of onsite activity and to minimise the disruption to neighbouring business