Victoria Gate, the shopping destination that forms part of Redical’s Victoria Leeds, is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Opened in October 2016 following a £165m development, it combines with the Grade II listed Victoria Quarter to form Victoria Leeds, which Redical describes as the North’s leading premium retail, leisure and dining destination.
Anchored by the region’s only John Lewis, Victoria Gate was named the World’s Best Shopping Centre at MIPIM in 2017 and was ranked the UK’s number one shopping centre on Tripadvisor earlier this year. Its architecture features curved glass shopfronts, terracotta panels and herringbone floors that reference the city’s textile heritage.
Since opening, the destination has welcomed more than 135 million visits. Redical has leased 70,400 sq ft of previously vacant floorspace since acquiring Victoria Leeds, reducing vacancy from around 15% by floor area to less than 5%.
More than 35 new brands have arrived under Redical’s ownership. Pour Moi, Aesop, APM Monaco, Lisa Angel, AS Colour and Randox have all made their northern debuts at the destination, while Wax London, Missoma, Monica Vinader, Byredo and Le Labo chose Victoria Leeds for their first stores outside London. Alo, Nobody’s Child, Arabian Oud and ARNE have opened their second stores outside the capital there, with ARNE opening its third permanent UK store at Victoria Leeds later this year.
Local and regional businesses remain part of the mix, with Allertons, North Star Coffee, Uyare, Michelsberg Tailoring and Yorkshire Jeweller trading alongside national and international names. The established line-up includes Louis Vuitton, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren, Vivienne Westwood, Coach and Boodles, alongside John Lewis & Partners, The White Company, & Other Stories and Reiss, while the dining offer includes The Ivy, The Ivy Asia, Cut & Craft and Uyare by Tharavadu.
Events have also been part of the destination’s evolution under Redical, from its open-air space on Sidney Street to rooftop celebrations, with fundraising for charity partners including Smart Works, Zarach and the Yorkshire Children’s Charity.
James Edmondson, Asset Manager at Redical, said:
“Victoria Gate set a new standard for retail in the North when it opened ten years ago, and that ambition remains at the heart of how Redical manages Victoria Leeds today. When we acquired the destination, around 15% of the floorspace was vacant, compared to less than 5% today. That turnaround is the result of hands-on, intelligent asset management and a leasing strategy built on securing the right brands, in the right space, to satisfy the needs and wants of a loyal and affluent customer base. As we look ahead to the next decade, our focus is on continuing to evolve the offer and cementing Victoria Leeds’ position as a prime, best-in-class destination.”
James Edmondson, Asset Manager, Redical
The anniversary coincides with Leeds’ growing profile in premium and luxury retail. According to CACI, Leeds ranks second only to London among UK city centres for its proportion of premium and luxury brands.
Terry Clark is the Publisher and Content Director of 365 Retail, with more than a decade of experience covering retail design, technology innovations, store openings and the wider retail industry. He also works closely with leading retailers, suppliers, agencies, events and industry awards across the UK.
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