Jobs hope thanks to cinema bid

A planning application for a cinema, four new catering outlets and additional retail space, including extensions to the centre’s existing Debenhams and Primark stores, will be submitted to Leeds City Council this year.

Land Securities, which owns and manages the centre, will seek permission for an additional 120,000 sq ft of retail space and 65,000 sq ft of leisure space at the site.

If approved the expansion will create hundreds of new jobs, adding to the 3,500 already employed at the centre.

Land Securities’ portfolio director Gerald Jennings, said: “Since its opening in March 1997, White Rose has proved extremely successful, attracting up to 13 million shoppers a year and providing employment for thousands of local people.

“An indication of the centre’s strong performance over the past 15 years is the fact that Debenhams, which has been at White Rose since the centre opened, is looking to increase its floorspace and Primark, which opened in 2006, also wishes to expand.

“These improvements will add to the vibrancy of White Rose and contribute to its future success, while ensuring that the centre remains competitive and continues to provide employment opportunities.”

The new proposals include a 10-screen cinema, new restaurants and expansion of some of the flagship stores.

The proposals for the White Rose expansion will be on display at a public exhibition being held at the Alexandra Hall in Morley Town Hall between 11am and 8pm on Friday, September 15 and at the White Rose Shopping Centre from 10am-5pm on Saturday, September 15.

Mr Jennings added: “We hope as many people as possible visit the exhibition and give us their views as this will help us in shaping the planning application that we submit later this year.”