January saw the launch of a pro-growth business partnership in the UK Parliament formed to back flagship UK high streets.
High streets have come together including Leeds, London, Cardiff, Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, and Birmingham who collectively represent over 5,000 businesses, contributing a staggering £34.7 billion in GVA each year welcome over 473 million visitors annually – acting as key drivers of growth and important economic anchors for local communities.
I have stated for many years that our high streets are key economic drivers and getting the sector mix correct can be a powerful economic catalyst to the wider city centre environment. They have, as one partner described it as, a ‘halo’ effect.
As the shopping capital of the region, Leeds’ own high street is currently undergoing somewhat of a continued transformation with major recalibration and change.
We are seeing the repurposing of key properties on Briggate, one of our city centre’s principal shopping streets leading down to Leeds Bridge. Anchored by two award-winning shopping centres (Trinity Leeds and Victoria Leeds) which themselves are continuously strengthening their portfolio of brands, Briggate is celebrating its latest additions which are being brought into the mix.
With the closure of Debenhams, House of Fraser and Top Shop in recent years, Leeds landlords have acted to breathe new life into these vacant buildings, with new offers which are architecturally pleasing and in character of the built environment.
The former House of Fraser, now Store House will open later this year, offering retail units on the ground and basement areas, while above the high street we shall see a new quality of city centre accommodation. Sensitively executed and well communicated, this has been a long build and we now witnessing the impact of this positive investment.
Zara opened its flagship store in Leeds in 2024, making a statement on the Leeds high street while providing a stunning entrance to Trinity off Briggate, alongside River Island. Flannels has repurposed the former Debenhams store, enhancing the lighting and facia to make a dramatic impact on Briggate while Superdrug are already fitting out the old Zara building close by, with it ready to open its doors next month. I also note New Balance are carrying out a major overhaul of the former 02 shop; another welcome addition.
A High Street which adapts and transforms to a changing environment is a successful one. Leeds has seen these changes, but this can only be aided by a pro-growth agenda nationally by governments and local authorities to create an environment where businesses can thrive, grow, expand, and be sustained. High streets are important places to work, gather, eat, drink, shop, have fun, learn and live.
Our city centres and high street have had to combat many challenges in recent years, but with a new emphasis on the importance of high streets through this campaign, there is a realisation of their significance to economic growth and their positive impact upon all business sectors.
Read more about the importance and impact of UK High Streets here
Andrew Cooper
Chief Executive, LeedsBID
