Just a quick post to let you all know that Tesco will be holding a public exhibition of their revised plans for the old Kirkstall District Centre site (KwikSave/Harvard Mills) next week, and all members of the public are invited to view the plans and express their views. If you are interested in the development please come along and let others know as widely as possible. This is the press release about the exhibition:
TESCO TO HOLD PUBLIC EXHIBITION ON REVISED PLANS FOR KIRKSTALL
Tesco is holding a public exhibition on its revised plans for a new supermarket, shops and community facilities in Kirkstall.
The event is being held at the Milford Sports Club on Beecroft Street in Kirkstall on Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th September between 2-8pm. Members of Tesco’s project team will be on hand to answer any questions and residents will be able to complete a freepost feedback form about the plans.
Last year Tesco revealed initial plans for the mostly derelict site, and following an extensive community consultation period are unveiling an updated scheme. Changes to the plans include a reduction in height of the buildings, a smaller sized supermarket and improvements to the highways proposals.
The plans will create around 400 jobs and will be part of Tesco’s Regeneration Partnership programme. This means up to 40% of the proposed supermarket jobs will be guaranteed for the local long-term unemployed.
Deborah Hayeems, Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager, said: “Over the last 18 months we have spoken to a wide cross-section of the Kirkstall community through public exhibitions, a local steering group, and by attending Kirkstall Festival two years running. We have received a tremendous amount of feedback and, wherever possible, we have tried to incorporate this.
The mostly derelict site in the centre of Kirkstall is in desperate need of regeneration and we are determined to make our proposal the best it can be for the people who live in the area and those who use the busy A65 route into Leeds. The site has a history of developers failing to get it right here but we are optimistic that we can finally bring this gateway site back to life, creating hundreds of jobs, new shops and community facilities for local residents to enjoy.”
