Hammerson has announced that Victoria Gate, its new premium retail development in Leeds, has been awarded Best Shopping Centre at the MIPIM Awards.
The scheme, which is adjacent to Hammerson’s Victoria Quarter arcade and forms part of the new 53,400m² Victoria Leeds shopping destination, is anchored by a flagship John Lewis, the first in Leeds and the largest outside London. Designed by architects, Acme, the development is a 21st century interpretation of the traditional Victorian retail arcades found in Leeds city centre.
Victoria Gate, which officially opened its doors in October, was 90% let at opening boasting global brands including international restaurant group D&D. Over three quarters of the brands in the scheme were new to Leeds, and a third were firsts for the Hammerson portfolio. The aspirational retail mix has proved popular with local customers, attracting three million visitors in the Christmas trading period alone.
Victoria Gate competed against Lee Tung Avenue, Hong Kong, Morinomiya Q’s MALL BASE, Japan, and Parc Central, China, to win the Best Shopping Centre Award.
Created in 1991, the MIPIM Awards are internationally-renowned and highly coveted as part of the industry’s largest real estate exhibition, MIPIM. It honours the most outstanding and accomplished projects, completed or yet to be built around the world.
Robin Dobson, Director of Retail Development at Hammerson, said, “We are delighted that the success of Victoria Gate has been recognised with such a prestigious award. The striking architecture and premium brand mix makes this scheme truly unique, and we are very proud to have set new standards for retail across Europe.”
Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said, “This is a very exciting acknowledgement of the vision behind Victoria Gate’s development and the quality and innovation of its build. It is testament to both Hammerson and our team at the council who worked so well together to deliver this innovative project.
'Victoria Gate, anchored by John Lewis, is a fantastic new addition to Leeds and the retail and leisure offer in the North of England and I’m delighted this has been recognised, despite strong competition from the striking new developments in Japan and China.”