Leeds: Core shopping complex demolition set to be approved

Student accommodation, new streets and commercial units are set to be created where The Core Shopping Centre currently stands

A Leeds shopping centre is set to be demolished after plans took a further step forward.

The Core Shopping Centre on The Headrow is planned to be replaced by three blocks of student flats and shops.

A report to a council panel said two new streets linking Lands Lane with King Charles Street would also be created as part of the development.

The panel passed a recommendation to delegate the application to the chief planning officer for approval.

A report to council planners said the centre, which was built in 1987 on the site of the former Schofields department store, had struggled to attract retailers in recent years.

A report says the shopping centre on The Headrow had struggled to attract retailers

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the centre would be replaced with three red brick buildings connected by bridge crossings.

At a meeting on Thursday, Liberal Democrat councillor Colin Campbell said: "If you look at the existing building, it's of its time and I think its time has passed - it's not doing much for The Headrow at the moment."

Meanwhile Conservative councillor Dan Cohen said he had been "a great fan of the original Schofields centre".

"Unfortunately The Core doesn't have that same reputation," he added.