Leeds prime pitch is on course to be extended into Albion Street and Bond Street, following the green light being given to a£100 million redevelopment scheme.

ING Real Estate Investment Management and Starwood Capital Group have gained consent to redevelop West Riding House, which they acquired in January last year, into prime flagship stores.

Four double-height units ranging from 6,500 sq ft (605 sq m) to 20,000 sq ft (1,860 sq m) are to be created around an existing 30,000 sq ft (2,790 sq m) Next store.

Construction is due to start in September, with the units scheduled to open for trade by Christmas 2005.

The developer expects to pre-let the units prior to the start of construction.

Simon Lyons & Company - which is advising ING, Starwood, and development manager Jema Fund Management - has now been retained as letting agent.