Leeds shopping centre work to restart

Work on the site was halted last year

Work on a multi million-pound retail development in Leeds will restart in August, 16 months after it was put on hold because of the recession.

Trinity Leeds is now expected to open in the city centre in spring 2013.

The 1,000,000 sq ft (92,900 sq m) centre, around Briggate, Albion Street and Boar Lane, will have 120 shops, restaurants and employ 4,000 people.

Land Securities said it was restarting work after signing up major tenants such as Next.

The firm said about 1,000 construction workers would be employed during the building work.

Gerald Jennings, Land Securities' portfolio director, said: "During the temporary pause of on-site activity, our leasing team has been working tirelessly to ensure that we have the right mix of high quality retailers and leisure operators for the prime location that Trinity Leeds occupies.

"Having achieved our lettings threshold, we are proceeding with confidence on the construction phase."

Mr Jennings added: "Our design team has also been very busy during the pause making further enhancements to the plans, including proposals for an additional roof-top restaurant situated next to Holy Trinity Church."

Keith Wakefield, leader of Leeds City Council, described the announcement was "excellent news" and a "timely vote of confidence" in the city during "continuing economic uncertainty".

He said: "The scheme will bring welcome opportunities for business and for local people to gain skills and employment."