The boss of Leeds' White Rose Shopping Centre has promised a major transformation of the site with new shops, big brands and its very own train station.
The new development is set to transform the shopping hub, which first opened in 1997. This month marks 26 years since the doors first opened, and while it has had years of success and popularity, many customers told Leeds Live that they think it "needs a revamp".
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. It comes on the back of the Covid-19 pandemic and the rising cost of living crisis, which left the retail industry in Leeds suffering.
Read more: Leeds White Rose Centre shoppers divided as 'empty units' and 'security' clash with convenience
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 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." 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."
Despite the number of closures, White Rose is set to transform this year. Bosses say behind the giant vinyl's used to cover up empty premises, there is "major development work going on".
The centre has already seen an expansion to its food court, as well as the opening of a Leeds United shop, Sainsbury's, a Cineworld, and a Wetherspoon pub. A new Marks and Spencer is opening, which will create 230 jobs in Leeds. There will also be a Lounge café bar in The Village as well as new retailers and restaurants.
A £26.5million White Rose Rail Station will also be opening. The new rail station between between Morley and Cotttingley on the Transpennine route is being delivered in partnership by the Combined Authority, Leeds City Council, Munroe K and Network Rail. Construction has begun on the development.
Steven Foster, Centre Director for White Rose Shopping Centre, said: "White Rose utilises vinyls and hoardings to cover an empty unit for health and safety reasons when there is major development works going on behind it. We’ve got some exciting development work going on at White Rose, and we’re looking forward to sharing more details on our new retailers and restaurants soon – including a flagship M&S and the new Bianco Lounge café bar in The Village.
"We’ll also see the opening of the new train station at White Rose later in 2023, which will be great for getting to and from the centre as well as beneficial to the local community. We’ll be making announcements on more new brands taking over vacant units when the time is right, and in the meantime we’ve welcomed a brand new Rituals store plus a refurbished Beaverbrooks including a Tag Heuer boutique for our visitors to enjoy this month."
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