This month White Rose Shopping Centre will have been open for 26 years.
The 76-acre shopping centre is home to over 120 shops, restaurants, cafes and a cinema. It instantly became popular when it opened in 1997, but sadly over the years, and on the back of Covid-19 pandemic and the rising cost of living, a lot of shops have been lost - although it remains a great place to bag a bargain or two.
A large board printed with 'fake' shop fronts now covers a large part of the centre where stores are missing. Big names including Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, Burton, Thornton's, Disney, Topshop, Topman, Monsoon, Carphone Warehouse, Oasis, and Warehouse have closed.
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Despite this, the centre has seen an expansion to its food court, as well as the opening of a Leeds United shop, Sainsbury's and a Cineworld, complete with a very large IMAX screen (one of the biggest in the country). There's even a Wetherspoon pub.. A new M&S is opening soon, which will create 230 jobs in Leeds.
With the shopping centre's great improvements and losses, we decided to see what people love and hate about White Rose as it celebrates its anniversary on March 25. Shoppers shared their divided opinions with Leeds Live.
Security issues
Upon entering the shopping centre earlier this week, on Tuesday, March 22, teens were seen being chased by the security team. They had been spotted gathered all in the entrance way in balaclavas and being a nuisance.
Sarah James said she saw the group "causing issues". She said: "Don't bother coming. The security have no control. Constant teenagers causing issues late in the evening. Throwing things around, running and shoving people over, spilling into the cinema causing issues."
'It's convenient and the shops are good'
Hassan said: "I think White Rose is a good shopping centre. The shops are good, they could be better but they are alright as they are. The good thing is that the shopping centre is easily accessible as buses comes in and out all the time. It's convenient."
Mike, who lives a mile away from White Rose, said: "We [Mike and his partner] only live about a mile away so it is convenient for us and we've been coming for years. It's got good shopping and the parking is good.
"I am concerned about a lot of the shops at the far end have closed, which isn't good, and the prices of everything in the shops are going up."
'I like it just as it is'
Another Leeds resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I think it's good. You can get a bit of everything here - holidays, food, clothes. I like it just as it is."
A 24-year-old resident added: "I love the Sainsbury's in here. It is 10/10."
'Needs a revamp'
A 25-year-old shopper, who did not want to be named, said: "I have been coming to White Rose since I was a child and always loved it here. But I do have to say it feels a bit dated now. It definitely needs a revamp.
"I like that there are a few new shops such as Rituals and Marks & Spencer, and I love the likes of H&M and River Island, but I think there needs to be a few new and more modern shops.
"I think if the building had a bit of a makeover it would drive more people in. I went in recently and while I enjoyed it, it was really not busy at all - which is weird for a big shopping centre."
Ludwik said: "Debenhams closed and nothing has replaced it. I travelled by bus. To get into the centre I had to follow a long diversion in the rain and wind to another entrance.
"Once in the centre, there was overcrowding and some improvements, but for car owners and car parkers only."
Angela added: "I came in here a few weeks ago as well and there were two staff on the checkouts and 50 people waiting to pay. People were putting stuff back and walking out, it's a shame as they have a nice selection of clothes."
Paul R added: "Why is Leeds city retail in such bad shape? There are empty units everywhere in here. What is Leeds doing wrong?"
Morley resident Megan, 24, said: "All the shops have closed down and there is absolutely nothing there. Unless you want to go to a market stall."
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