Leeds Victoria Gate development plans approved

A glass-roofed arcade will link the John Lewis store with the existing Victoria Quarter shopping area

Leeds City Council said the development would regenerate the area

Plans for a £130m retail development in Leeds city centre have been approved.

The Victoria Gate development, formerly known as Eastgate Quarters, is to include a flagship John Lewis store, restaurants and an 800-space car park.

Leeds City Council planners have given the project the go ahead and building work is expected to start next spring.

In March, the £350m Trinity Leeds shopping centre opened in the city, the only major retail development to open in the UK this year.

The local authority said the new development would create 2,700 jobs during its construction, and 1,500 retail and hospitality jobs when it opens in autumn 2016.

Joe Swindells, Hammerson's project director, said he wanted to create a shopping centre that would "add value to Leeds' local economy and community".

Councillor Richard Lewis said Victoria Gate would provide a "huge boost" to Leeds and the surrounding area.

"The scheme will help regenerate that area of the city centre and will complement the well-established Victoria Quarter and the brand new Trinity Leeds to further enhance the exceptional retail offer in the city," he said.