PLANS for a new £8m restaurant hub in Leeds city centre could create more than 160 jobs.

Four big names have already expressed an interest in the major scheme at the current Next Clearance site, on the corner of Albion Street and Bond Street.
Lounge and restaurant Cosy Club, American bar and diner Coast to Coast and Mexican offerings Chiquito and Chilango are all in the frame for the site.Also expressing an interest are Joe’s Kitchen, Coal Bar, Ed’s Diner. Wahaca, Smash Burger, Pizza Hut and Vapiano.

Managing director of Cosy Club, Nick Collins, said: “We have been looking to open in Leeds for some time and we are big fans of the city.

“We are delighted to have found the right property. It’s very exciting for us.
“We are quite eccentric and quirky in the way we fit our premises, and the fact it is such a big site at 7,500sq ft, on the first floor, and in a really great location was very appealing to us.”

The impressive plans could see Bond Street, which connects the financial area of Park Row to the city centre’s main retail area, becoming a go-to food destination.

In a report by estate agent Savills, director James Lamming said: “Bond Street has emerged as a high quality ‘grab and go’ food location, with Pret a Manger, Nourish […] and Greggs.”

Nearby Albion Place has also extended its dining offering, with Pizza Express, Byron Burger and Bill’s Diner all opening premises in recent years.

Next, which is located just opposite Trinity Kitchen, is expected to leave the site in October due to its Trinity Leeds site.

The new scheme, which includes five units set across three floors as well as outdoor dining areas, could be open by the end of the year, subject to planning permission.

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