Major fashion retailer opening new Leeds store inside historic Victoria Quarter arcade
The company is expanding its chain of stores
A fashion retailer is set to move into a historic Leeds arcade after plans were agreed with the council.
Clothing chain ARNE was granted permission to convert a vacant unit at Grade II-listed Cross Arcade in Leeds, part of the Victoria Quarter.
Internal alterations will be carried at the site on King Edward Street as the company expands its chain of stores.
Leeds City Council granted listed building consent to bring part of the arcade back into use.
A report by design firm CubicWorks Ltd said: “The works comprise the internal fit out of ground and first floor levels of 13-15 King Edward Street so that it can be occupied by ARNE, a high quality clothing retailer.
“The unit was previously occupied by Diesel clothing, but it vacated the unit about five years ago. The unit has since stood vacant.”
The report said the refurbishment would preserve historic features of the site in the city’s Victoria Quarter.
The design would be consistent with existing ARNE stores trading in Manchester and Liverpool.
The report said: “ARNE currently has stores in Liverpool and the Trafford Centre, and are looking to open additional stores in Manchester city centre and Leeds.”
The report said the development would secure the long-term future of the site and encourage city centre regeneration.
It said: “The proposed development will provide a series of economic, social and environmental benefits.”
The council said its conservation officer raised no objections to the proposed development.
A planning officer’s report said: “Number 13–15 King Edward Street has a Grade-II listed status and was designed by Frank Matcham as part of the County Arcade development for the Leeds Estates Company.
“The proposed works are considered to have a positive impact on the heritage asset by enhancing and preserving its architectural character and ensuring its continued viable use as a retail unit.”