PRESS RELEASE - May 08
LATEST WORKS FOR EASTGATE QUARTERS SCHEME
The latest phase of enabling works for the £800 million retail-led development, Eastgate Quarters has commenced.
The regeneration scheme being delivered by The Leeds Partnership, a joint venture between Hammerson and Leeds-based Town Centre Securities in partnership with Leeds City Council will ensure essential services and highways works are carried out in readiness for the start of development.
The enabling works will comprise highways improvement works to the North Street/Loop Road Junction and the Gower Street/ Regent Street Junction; the diversion of assorted telecommunications services; and limited gas and sewer diversion works.
The first phase of works includes BT diversion activities and is successfully underway.
The latest phase of works is scheduled for completion by early November 2008, with commencement of the third phase planned for early 2009 and final completion of the enabling works by Summer 2009.
Works which will have a greater impact on the traffic flows, will be carried out during the school summer holiday period to minimise their impact, with reduced traffic in the city centre during this time.
Wrekin Construction is carrying out the enabling works for The Leeds Partnership and while works are ongoing members of the local community and neighbouring businesses can contact Wrekin Construction’s public liaison manager with any questions or comments.
Neil Arckless, Project Director for Hammerson commented: "We have worked hard to ensure that as many of the essential services works are carried out at the same time to avoid disruption and lengthening the phase of works. The forward planning will help minimise disturbance and if anyone has any questions I would encourage them to contact Wrekin Construction’s public liaison manager."
A spokesman for Leeds City Council said: "The Eastgate and Harewood Quarter is a major opportunity to develop a new and varied urban community which will allow the city to strengthen its position as one the UK’s premier shopping destinations. These essential works have been scheduled to minimise the amount of disturbance and we are confident the end result will be worth the short term disruption to the city."
Michael Ward, public liaison manager for Wrekin Construction, dedicated to the enabling works for Eastgate Quarters can be contacted on 07917 506 058 or email michael_ward@wrekin.co.uk.
Eastgate Quarters will include over 100 retail units and be anchored by John Lewis and Marks & Spencer. The scheme will create a new restaurant district and up to 600 new homes. It is anticipated that construction of Eastgate Quarters will begin in 2009, with completion in 2012.