The £130m Victoria Gate retail development in Leeds by Hammerson has received planning approval by the city council's plans panel.
Phase one of the scheme, previously known as Eastgate Quarters, will generate 2,700 construction employment opportunities, as well as more than 1,500 retail and hospitality jobs when it opens in Autumn 2016.

Robin Dobson, Hammerson's Director of Retail Development, said: "The positive decision from Leeds City Council's plans panel is a major next step towards getting construction underway in the spring. We are fully committed to creating a retail development that will not only reaffirm Leeds' status as a top retail destination for luxury and aspirational brands in the UK, but will also add value to Leeds' local economy and community."

The development will be anchored by a 24,000 sqm flagship John Lewis store featuring a striking façade, plus 30other assorted retailers and will link to the existing Victoria Quarter in two street arcade and include a multistory car park for more than 800 cars.

Cllr Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council executive member for the economy and development, said: "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. Victoria Gate will also mean the creation of hundreds of new jobs to help local people and I look forward to seeing work get underway on site in the coming months to bring this development to reality."

Construction work will start on the first phase of retail space (37,000 sqm) in Spring 2014.