TUI, the largest global travel and leisure company, has announced the opening of a new store at The Springs retail and leisure centre at Thorpe Park Leeds on May 24, 2024. This move marks another significant milestone for The Springs as it continues to attract high-profile brands.
A Strategic Location
Scarborough Group International (SGI), the owner and manager of The Springs, has secured a five-year lease for TUI to occupy an 850 sq ft store. This new TUI location is prominently positioned facing the north entrance to The Springs car park, adjacent to other well-known brands such as EE, Pret A Manger, and Krispy Kreme. The strategic location aims to maximise foot traffic and visibility, making it a prime spot for attracting customers.
Launch Promotions and Services
TUI’s new store opening will feature several special launch promotions designed to attract customers. The store will create eight new jobs, staffed by a team of travel experts ready to offer visitors advice on booking holidays, support for existing bookings, travel money exchange, insurance services, and more. This comprehensive suite of services ensures that customers will have access to all their travel needs in one convenient location.
Growth and Expansion at The Springs
The announcement of TUI’s new store comes just months after the opening of Starbucks at The Springs Leeds. This popular destination has seen a surge in interest from major brands, with Hotel Chocolat, Cook, Pret A Manger, and Loungers all establishing a presence in the past year.
The addition of TUI further enhances the diverse offerings available at The Springs, making it a comprehensive shopping and entertainment hub.
Boost in Visitor Numbers
Rachel Vickers, Senior Commercial Manager at SGI, expressed enthusiasm about TUI joining The Springs.
“We are delighted to welcome TUI to The Springs Leeds as a perfect addition to our mixed offering,”
she said. The opening of the East Leeds Orbital Link Road has significantly increased visitor numbers, with a reported 30% month-on-month growth. The Springs benefits from its proximity to Thorpe Park’s established business community of over 7,500 people, a high volume of passing trade, and the significant East Leeds residential community.
A Word from TUI’s Store Manager
Michelle Rushton, Store Manager at TUI The Springs Leeds, shared her excitement about the new store opening.
“We are all very excited about the new store opening, especially due to its location within the retail park. We have had a great interactive team session this week to ignite our team spirit ahead of opening and we can’t wait to welcome in our first customers through the doors when we open this week,”
she said. With 30 years of experience as a travel agent, Rushton emphasized the joy of creating lasting memories for TUI customers.
The Springs: A Premier Destination
The Springs is a 350,000 sq ft shopping and leisure destination located at the heart of the award-winning Thorpe Park Leeds, near Junction 46 of the M1.
It features an impressive lineup of brands, including ODEON Luxe, Costa, JD, Mountain Warehouse, M&S, The Range, Pure Gym, Nandos, and many more. This diverse mix of retailers and entertainment options makes The Springs a premier destination for visitors from Harrogate, Wetherby, and beyond.
Thorpe Park Leeds: A Hub of Opportunities
Thorpe Park Leeds is strategically located with its own dedicated access at Junction 46 of the M1. The park boasts over 900,000 sq ft of office space, supporting more than 7,500 jobs. Since a unique £162 million investment deal with Legal & General Capital in 2015, Thorpe Park Leeds has undergone a transformative 1.35 million sq ft mixed-use expansion. This development includes Grade A offices and has introduced numerous new business opportunities to the Leeds City Region.
The opening of the East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR) has been a significant milestone, connecting north and east Leeds to Junction 46 of the M1. This crucial infrastructure has unlocked land for the future construction of over 7,000 new homes in the East Leeds area. Additionally, future development plans include a 113-acre public park with sports and wellbeing facilities, further enhancing the community’s quality of life.
Thorpe Park Leeds has also been selected for the new East Leeds Parkway railway station and associated Park and Ride, which will connect directly to Leeds City Centre in under eight minutes. This development is part of a £270 million infrastructure investment into Leeds by the Department of Transport, underscoring the area’s growing importance as a commercial and residential hub.
Final Points
The opening of TUI at The Springs Leeds signifies continued growth and expansion for this vibrant retail and leisure destination.
With a prime location, a comprehensive range of services, and a strategic position within Thorpe Park Leeds, TUI is poised to become a popular choice for travelers and shoppers alike. As The Springs continues to attract high-profile brands and increase visitor numbers, it remains a premier destination in the Leeds City Region.
