Sainsbury’s brings new life to Leeds city centre listed building

Sainsbury’s is opening a new Local store, creating 20 full and part-time positions, following the closure of Austin Reed on Albion Street in Leeds.

The tenancy agreement between Town Centre Securities and Sainsbury’s will secure the 5,125 sq ft property for 15 years and sees the retailer bring its fourth Sainsbury’s Local store to Leeds city centre.

The refurbishment work, which is nearly complete, has transformed the unit that is split across two floors: the 2,275 sq ft first floor will now be used for storage and back of house, and the ground floor (comprising of 2,850 sq ft) will be the shop floor.

Paul Sellers, acquisitions surveyor for Sainsbury’s, said: “The new Sainsbury’s Local store will be our fourth in Leeds city centre which demonstrates our confidence in the city and the increasing demand for convenience stores. The location is superb and the unit works really well for us. The Sainsbury’s Local on Albion Street will allow city workers and passing shoppers to pick up food on the go.

David Donkin, associate director of estates for Town Centre Securities PLC, added; “Sainsbury’s is already an established tenant of ours at the Merrion Centre so we are pleased to be able to provide an additional premises to meet growing demand for convenient, on the go food in the city centre. The chain has such a strong track record and we look forward to the opening next week.”