What time is Victoria Gate in Leeds opening, what shops are in the new shopping centre and is there free parking?
A POSH new shopping centre opening in Leeds this morning promises to turn the city into the 'Knightsbridge of the North'.
The £165 million should see Leeds jump to third on the UK's regional retail rankings.
Leeds benefited from a shopping boost in 1996 when Harvey Nichols chose it as the first location for its national expansion.
Victoria Gate aims to bring high-end shoppers back to the Yorkshire city with a swanky John Lewis branch anchoring the spectacular centre.
Robin Dobson, retail development director at Hammersons, said: “This is about getting Leeds shoppers into Leeds.
“Leeds is the financial and legal capital of the north and it needs this class of shops."
We reveal all you need to know about today's opening - including the .
What time does the centre open and where is it?
Shops are due to open at 10am this morning and willl close at 8pm.
People are being advised by Leeds City Council to plan their journeys carefully to take into account the large numbers anticipated to attend the scheme’s opening.
The centre is at 26 Eastgate, Leeds, between the main shopping street Briggate and the old police station Millgarth.
Parking - where can I leave my car and how much is it?
Visitors bringing cars are advised that a good option might be to use the newly-expanded Elland Road Park and Ride, which now has 800 spaces.
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There is also a multistory car park that can hold 800 cars, which organisers warn could become very busy. Prices have also not been confirmed yet so it's up to shoppers whether they want to take the risk.
Citipark is offering two hours of free parking at its Merrion Centre site during the new shopping centre’s first full week of opening.
Drivers can access the offer by using special QR codes, which can be found on flyers being distributed in the area or on the .
The code must be scanned from a phone or print-out once a shopper returns to their vehicle. Drivers can park for as long as they want while claiming the first two hours free of charge.
What about if I don't own a car?
If you're travelling by public transport you can use for information.
Leeds Train Station is a 12 minute walk away from Victoria Gate.
Leeds Bus Station is just a 5 minute walk from Victoria Gate.
What shops are there?
The centre boasts an impressive flagship John Lewis - opening just in time for Christmas shoppers wanting to get someone a special present this year.
As well as the department store, Victoria Gate is hoping to sway high-end customers with a range of luxury shops.
Hammerson, the developers behind the scheme, revealed that lifestyle brand Cath Kidston, heritage fashion brand Ghost, menswear brand Diverso and Bailey Nelson, which sells glasses and sunglasses, will all have shops.
The new additions join the premium retailers and restaurants that have already signed up for the scheme, including Le Pain Quotidien, Neom Organics, Hackett, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and international restaurant group D&D.
Victoria Gate’s two street arcades also boasts 30 new retail brands and restaurants as well as a casino.
There are also high street stores for those hoping to snap up something a little bit cheaper.
What else do I need to know?
The shopping centre is 500,000sq ft so we recommend getting there early to experience all it has to offer.
It is the largest high-end shopping centre outside of London.
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