Belgrave Retail Park in Stanningley has officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a rousing speech by Town Cryer David Hinde.
As the first shoppers arrived at the park in Town Street, Stanningley, Mr Hinde rang out a bell and said:
“Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! We celebrate the opening of the Belgrave Retail Park here today. May we wish it all success for many years to come. God save the Queen!”
Stores include a butcher – run by family-firm Underwood Meat Company, a baker – Greggs, and a candlestick maker – retailer Card Factory, which has its own range of candles.
The site is anchored by a 24,500 sq ft Lidl store with seven other retail units fully let. The Lidl store alone has created 40 new jobs.
PDR Construction managing director Paul Dransfield said it was a sign of confidence in the area. He said:
“We have worked in partnership with Lidl to regenerate this former industrial site which is now the most prominent retail park in this busy area of Leeds.
“PDR has had a presence in this part of Leeds since 2005, having set-up our Leeds office across the road from this site.
“We also have a strong relationship with Lidl having worked with them for almost 20 years and built 25 of their stores across the North of England.”
He was joined by Paul Dransfield, managing director of site developer PDR Construction, Councillor Kevin Ritchie, Councillor Julie Heselwood, Councillor Caroline Gruen and Simon Williams of Williams Property Consultants.
The retail park is built on a brownfield site that was formerly occupied by electrical manufacturer Winder Power, which moved to larger premises nearby in 2008.
Also opening at the 52,000 sq ft site are dry cleaners, Sunlite, and tanning salon, Indigo Sun. A Home Bargains store is due to open in April.