£165m Victoria Gate scheme reaches major milestone

The £165m Victoria Gate scheme has now reached a major construction milestone with the John Lewis building reaching its full height of 34 meters.

The progress of the construction work from the 250-strong construction team includes the successful installation of the steel diagrid frame for John Lewis’ building as well as hanging the diamond façade panels that now enclose the upper stories of the building to reveal its unique architecture.

This latest milestone marks a year to the completion of Victoria Gate and the opening of a new retail landmark for Leeds, in late 2016.

Hammerson CEO, David Atkins, Leeds City Council’s Leader Councillor Judith Blake, and Richard McAlpine, partner of the main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), were on site to attend the ‘topping-out’ ceremony.

Robin Dobson, director of retail development at Hammerson, said: “Topping-out is a significant milestone for Victoria Gate and we are pleased to be able to celebrate the occasion with our key stakeholders. From this point forward the scheme will really start to come to life as we count down to the opening of what is set to be the North’s premier retail and leisure destination.”

Richard McAlpine, SRM, added: “We are delighted that Victoria Gate has reached this important milestone. The John Lewis store and Victoria Gate arcade is the first phase of development, which will lead to the overdue regeneration of a part of this part of the city. Topping-out is a key milestone in the delivery of this project and we’re pleased to have been able to share our ceremony traditions with our stakeholders.”

Cllr Judith Blake, Leeds City Council Leader, also commented: “This is a very exciting stage for Victoria Gate as it makes its significant mark on the city’s skyline. As a council we have worked hard with the developers to maximise job opportunities and make the most of what will be an incredible addition to Leeds’ retail and leisure offer, both for local people and for visitors. I look forward to seeing its opening firmly cementing Leeds’ place near the top of the UK’s shopping destinations.”