Member News Subjects

Skate into the festive season: White Rose ice rink to return for 2025

White Rose Shopping Centre’s magical Christmas ice rink is returning due to popular demand this festive season, open from 20th November until 4th January 2026. The family-friendly attraction returns this year with more events and offers than ever before: fun themed events will take place throughout the season, as well as regular Friday Disco Nights plus special…

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Leeds’ largest Chinese bakery, Sing Sing Bakery, opens at the Merrion Centre

Authentic, freshly made Hong Kong-style treats now served at the Merrion Centre. The Merrion Centre announces the latest arrival of Leeds’ largest Chinese bakery, Sing Sing Bakery, which is now open inside the long-established Sing Kee Chinese Supermarket. Serving a wide range of authentic, freshly made sweet and savoury items inspired by traditional Hong Kong recipes,…

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Pumpkin Trails and Peppa Pig: free half-term fun at White Rose

White Rose Shopping Centre is set to welcome Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, and recent arrival baby Evie Pig as part of a meet-and-greet event this October half term. The event takes place on Saturday 1st November in White Rose’s Central Atrium, and guests must book free tickets in advance to secure admittance to the events….

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Pontefract youngster wins competition to help Santa switch on Britain’s Biggest Lemax Winter Village

A five year old from Ackworth has helped make history by launching the UK’s biggest single display of Lemax collectables. Thomas Kerry won a competition to help Santa switch on the Lemax Winter Village at Tingley Garden Centre following an appeal for someone to help Santa make the village come alive. Thomas was nominated by…

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Estabulo Bar & Grill to open at The Merrion Centre

A New Brazilian Dining Experience at the Heart of Leeds Arena Quarter Authentic Brazilian rodizio bar and grill Estabulo is set to open a brand-new restaurant at the Merrion Centre in Leeds this October. Adjoining the Ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena Hotel and just a stone’s throw from the first direct bank Arena, the…

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Trinity Leeds, White Rose and Xscape Yorkshire launch mental health initiative in partnership with Mind

Landsec, owner of Trinity Leeds, White Rose and Xscape Yorkshire, has announced a new partnership with leading mental health charity Mind to champion mental health awareness and support. The initiative launches today to coincide with World Mental Health Day (10 October). Mind is a national charity dedicated to supporting those experiencing mental health challenges by…

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Celebrate the season in sparkling style at Harewood: Festive Afternoon Tea and exclusive Nyetimber Dining Experience announced

This Christmas, Harewood invites guests to step into a world of festive elegance with the launch of its Festive Afternoon Tea, running from 8 November to 4 January, and an exclusive evening of fine dining with Nyetimber on 5 December. Set against the backdrop of Harewood’s enchanting Grand Christmas Ball, Festive Afternoon Tea offers a…

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Yorkshire Garden Centre Group celebrates its 2025 Great by Nature cohort

34 Team members from a Bradford garden centre group are celebrating the successful completion of an internal training programme which identifies and nurtures talent. Yorkshire Garden Centre Group’s ‘Great by Nature’ programme was established to develop individuals identified by their managers as emerging talent with high potential for growth within the multi-site business. During the…

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Record breaking freshers footfall at The Merrion Centre

Freshers’ 2025 delivers biggest week of student visitors to date The Merrion Centre has once again cemented its position as the heart of Leeds student life, welcoming record-breaking numbers of visitors during this year’s Freshers’ period.  The start of the new term saw more than 416,000 visitors at the Merrion Centre, with Freshers’ Week delivering…

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White Rose Shines a Spotlight on Local Heroes

White Rose Shopping Centre has celebrated some of Leeds’ most inspiring individuals and organisations at its annual Community Awards, which recognise grassroot leaders, dedicated volunteers, and life-saving specialists who make a real difference. This year’s Community Awards honours the incredible local people working hard to benefit their community, with just a few of the 2025…

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Otley Garden Centre celebrates refreshed catering offering with mayoral visit

The team at Otley Garden Centre celebrated the reopening of its popular restaurant by hosting Otley Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Carter, for afternoon tea recently. Cllr Carter, along with his wife and consort Denise, was invited to Blooms, the refurbished and renamed 200-seater table service restaurant, by Otley Garden Centre’s catering manager, Marina Jannetta. Yorkshire…

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Trinity Leeds to launch Student Shopper Sweep event

Leeds students are set for an unforgettable start to the academic year as Trinity Leeds brings back its hugely popular Student Shopper Sweep, packed with shopping sprees, exclusive student offers and heaps of prizes to be won. Inspired by the classic ‘Supermarket Sweep’, lucky students can win the chance to take part in a packed…

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Bussing Out to hit the road for national tour

An exhibition which spotlights ‘bussing out’ – the social policy of dispersing non-white children in the 1960s and 1970s – is set to go on the road for a national tour thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England funding.   Bussing Out, an immersive art installation set in the top deck…

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Harewood and the hunt for the half million pound stick in Capability Brown’s Serpentine Lake

September 2025 – February 2026 Crafted by Lancelot Capability Brown in the 18th Century, Harewood’s landscape encompasses 4000 acres and represents one of Brown’s most famous vistas. Upon first glance, it’s the perfect example of Brown’s work, but there are issues that lie deep beneath the surface. Harewood has had a turbulent relationship with Capability…

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Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland returns to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York, Celebrating 20 Years of Festive Fun

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, the award-winning outdoor ice rink, funfair and Santa’s Grotto, will be returning to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York from Friday 14th November 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026, the organisers announced today. This season marks the event’s 20th anniversary since its debut as The Ice Factor on the Eye of York near Clifford’s…

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Renowned Disney Traditions creator Jim Shore to visit Clintons White Rose

Internationally acclaimed artist Jim Shore – famed for designing the Disney Traditions collectable figurines – will be visiting Leeds on his six-stop European tour, with a signing at Clintons White Rose on Saturday 20th September. In-store from 1pm – 4pm, Jim Shore will be greeting guests and signing items from his many collectable collections. Since…

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Merrion Centre launches new student food tours and initiatives worth more than £12,000

Exclusive rewards and new guided food tours set to welcome Leeds’ student community in 2025. Leeds’ Merrion Centre, the established shopping and leisure destination, has unveiled its line-up of activities designed to welcome the city’s student community this year. Students can look forward to over £12,000 worth of prizes through the popular ‘Shop, Show &…

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Calbee UK expands team as growth continues

Calbee UK, owner of Seabrook Crisps, has announced the appointment of Hannah Colagiovanni as Brand Manager, expanding the marketing team to support the company’s continued growth. Previously Brand Manager for Zoflora at Thornton & Ross, part of global home and healthcare group STADA, Hannah has first-hand experience of supporting growth brands. During the 5-years working…

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Car wash concession opens at second site in Yorkshire

An established family car wash business is the latest concession to open at a South Leeds garden centre. Handy Andy Car Wash Limited opened its 12th car wash site, the second in Yorkshire, at Tingley Garden Centre on 8th September. The site offers a range of car wash and valet services to visitors to the…

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Harewood volunteers have made 5,000 upcycled decorations for Christmas event

With just over 100 days until Christmas to go, renowned maximalist interior designer Siobhan Murphy has already dived head first into the festivities, working with dozens of volunteers at Harewood to create over 5,000 handmade decorations using secondhand items. There’s a real focus on upcycling for this year’s event, A Glittering Invitation: Harewood’s Grand Christmas…

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Savills says Yorkshire retail warehouse market shows resilience and opportunity as 2025 lettings activity builds momentum

The Yorkshire and the Humber out-of-town retail warehouse market is showing strong signs of resilience and opportunity in 2025, according to new research from international real estate advisor Savills. Following a robust performance in 2024 – accounting for 9.6% of all new UK lettings – the region is on track to deliver another solid year,…

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A new era of dining and hospitality arrives in Leeds: Hotel Indigo Leeds and The Banksia officially open

The heart of Leeds city centre is set to welcome an exciting new destination for business, leisure, and dining as Hotel Indigo Leeds and its flagship bar and restaurant, The Banksia, officially open their doors. Located on 2 Lower Briggate, the boutique hotel blends contemporary comfort with design inspired by the city’s rich industrial heritage,…

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Hygge Café to open first Leeds branch at the Merrion Centre

Scandi-inspired coffee and brunch favourite arrives in time for city’s new student intake HYGGE – the much-loved Sheffield-based coffee and brunch spot – is set to bring its cosy, Scandinavian-inspired charm to Leeds this September, with the opening of its first branch in West Yorkshire at the Merrion Centre. Located on Woodhouse Lane, adjacent to…

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Regal expands baklawa range with three first-to-market limited edition flavours

Regal Foods is set to boost its popular Baklawa range with the launch of three innovative, trend-inspired flavours: Dubai Style Chocolate, Caramelised Biscuit, and Choco Nut – each a limited edition and a market-first. Building on the success of Regal’s original Baklawa, introduced in October 2022, these new creations blend the heritage of the classic…

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Trinity Leeds sales up 15.7% on last year

Data from owner Landsec, shows shopping sales at Trinity Leeds rose 15.7% year-on-year during April – June this year, as shoppers flocked to new openings including Zara, Clarks and Søstrene Grene. Footfall at the centre also recorded a healthy increase of 4.7% year-on-year during the three months, signalling a wider return to in-store shopping. The…

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Yorkshire Garden Centres’ play areas celebrate their tenth birthday with giveaways

The teams at two West Yorkshire indoor and outdoor adventure play areas are marking their 10th birthday with a series of giveaways. Everyone who visits Grass Hoppers play area at Tong and Tingley Garden Centres between now and 1st September will be entered into a prize draw to win prizes from slushies to pizzas and…

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Yorkshire Garden Centre Group’s Yorkshire Day charity spinathon tops £1,000

Team members at a Bradford garden centre group with sites at Tong and Tingley held a Yorkshire Day spinathon which raised £1,038 for their charity of the year. A succession of team members rode 267 miles on static bikes in the checkout areas at Yorkshire Garden Centres’ sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, Pennine and…

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South Leeds Garden Centre celebrates summer with play activities

The team at a South Leeds adventure play centre has announced its summer play sessions.  In addition to the High Ropes, the Tower Jump Pillow, golf and assault courses, visitors to Mission Out at Tingley Garden Centre will have access to additional free activities including super archery, axe throwing and hook a duck throughout the…

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Summer delights arrive at Trinity Kitchen

Trinity Kitchen has turned up the heat this summer with a sizzling new street food lineup. From fragrant Egyptian koshary and Ireland’s popular Spice Bags, to the return of the deep-fried Italian lasagna, a global feast awaits! Guests can tuck into delights from around the world including three exciting newcomers –  Masri, Dirty Bags, I…

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Yorkshire Garden Centre Group’s Yorkshire Day charity spinathon

Team members at a Bradford garden centre group will take to two wheels on Yorkshire Day to raise funds for its charity of the year. Static bikes will be in the checkout areas at Yorkshire Garden Centres’ sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, Pennine and Dean’s York and Scarborough on 1st August as the team…

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Vanilla joins new retailers at White Rose

Women’s fashion brand Vanilla has today opened its doors at White Rose Shopping Centre, the latest addition to the centre’s impressive mix of brands. Offering both its Pink Vanilla and Blue Vanilla collections with a wide range of options for shoppers of all ages, including clothing, footwear, and accessories, the new store can be found…

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Runaway trains, bumper cars, and free family activities: Family Festival of Fun arrives at White Rose

White Rose Shopping Centre is kicking off a calendar of fun this month with the return of its Kids’ Carnival from 25th July, as well as free family craft and play sessions throughout the summer holidays. Open from 11am – 9pm daily from 25th July to 7th September, the Kids’ Carnival invites guests to enjoy…

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York Distillery to share distilling secrets with public

York Distillery is planning to reveal the secrets of making world-class spirits with the public.    The boutique distillery in central York will open its doors to the public on National Distillery Day (Friday 1st August) – which is also Yorkshire Day.   Live demonstrations by its distillers will show how the team choose and…

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Leeds School Uniform Exchange launches first-ever pop-up shop at the Merrion Centre

The Merrion Centre in Leeds will host the first-ever city centre pop-up shop for the Leeds School Uniform Exchange (a campaign run by Wear and Share Leeds) this August – providing free, good-quality school uniforms to families across the city during one of the most financially challenging times of the year. The initiative, which promotes…

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Bettys pop-up shop to return to Castle Howard this Christmas

The Bettys pop-up gift shop will return to Castle Howard for the second year running. Synonymous with Yorkshire and celebrated internationally, Bettys is known for mouthwatering confectionary, chocolates, teas and coffees and had never-before created a pop-up shop until their Castle Howard offering last year, which coincided with the stately home’s Christmas events. The shop…

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Yorkshire Garden Centre Group raises over £11,000 from till donations in two months

A Bradford garden centre group has raised over £11,000 for its charity of the year through a till donation initiative. Yorkshire Garden Centres group has partnered with fintech charity Pennies to raise funds for Martin House Children’s Hospice and has raised £11,313 since it was rolled out to all seven sites in May. Pennies acts…

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Rose Masterclass at a Bradford Garden Centre raises funds for charity

A rose masterclass hosted by Bradford garden centre has raised funds for a charity supporting children with life-limiting illnesses. In celebration of National Rose Month, Andy Rollings from the long-established, family-owned rose breeder David Austin Roses visited Tong Garden Centre to share his advice on planting, pruning, feeding, and caring for roses. The audience enjoyed…

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Bradford 2025 hits the halfway mark with people, participation and pride at its heart – and a blockbuster Summer ahead

An estimated 1.1 million people have experienced Bradford 2025 projects celebrating the district Events have taken place in every ward in the Bradford District, covering 141 square miles across West Yorkshire from the city centre to the wild moors Over 40,000 local people have participated in Bradford 2025 activity so far More than 500 local…

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TPE adds more services to support national Armed Forces celebrations in Cleethorpes this weekend

TransPennine Express (TPE) will be running extra services and providing more seats this weekend to support customers travelling to Cleethorpes for Armed Forces Day. The popular three-day event, recently chosen as the national celebration, will take place from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 June and is expected to draw large crowds to the coastal town,…

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Non-alcoholic York Gin wins national gold medal

York Gin is celebrating a national gold medal for its non-alcoholic spirit.    York Zero was awarded the top prize at the national Free From Awards at a glittering ceremony in London.   It won gold in the No and Low Alcohol category sponsored by the Low No Drinker magazine.  The alcohol-free spirit is made…

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Friday Night Fever is back!

Bradford Bulls are turning up the heat this summer as Friday Night Fever makes a spectacular return to Bartercard Odsal Stadium on Friday 4 July – Adults can gain entry from just £10 and Under 18-s GO FREE! A electrifying evening of entertainment both on and off the pitch awaits as the Bulls face Hunslet RLFC in a must-see rugby league showdown, kicking…

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Yorkshire Garden Centre Group creates new role for multi-site growth

A Bradford-based garden centre group with a site in Scarborough has created a new stock inventory role as it prepares for future growth across its multi-site business.  Yorkshire Garden Centres group, owner of Dean’s Scarborough, has appointed Dan Campbell as its Buying Support Manager to work across all seven sites in West and North Yorkshire….

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Bradford Garden Centre to host first masterclass with leading rose grower

A Bradford garden centre is hosting a rose masterclass with one of the country’s leading names in roses next month.  In celebration of National Rose Month, an expert from the long-established, family-owned rose breeder David Austin Roses will be in The Mezzanine at Tong Garden Centre on Wednesday, 2nd July to share advice on planting,…

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West Yorkshire adventure play area celebrates its new menu with team event

150 employees from Yorkshire Garden Centres were invited to celebrate the new menu at Mission Out outdoor adventure park with a stay and play session for family and friends. The play team at Mission Out hosted the exclusive after hours event to launch the new ‘Load & Go’ street food menu that comprises loaded nachos,…

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Sandburn Hall wins VisitEngland Silver award for excellence as best large hotel

Sandburn Hall has won one of the country’s leading hospitality prizes with a Silver award for ‘Large Hotel of the Year’ at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, held in Brighton this week. Sandburn Hall, set on a 1,000 acre country estate at Flaxton, near York, is an outstanding Yorkshire hospitality, golf, wedding, events and business…

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Sports Direct unveils bigger and better new White Rose store

Sports Direct, a leading international retailer of sports and fitness footwear, clothing, and equipment has opened (30th May) a new and upsized 11,000 sq. ft store at White Rose Shopping Centre, offering even more choice to guests. The relocated Sports Direct store boasts equipment, clothing, footwear, and accessories from global sports brands such as Nike,…

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Waterstones opens at White Rose

Waterstones has opened a new bookshop at White Rose Shopping Centre, its second location in Leeds. The UK bookseller’s newest shop has opened in a section of the lower-ground floor at the former Marks & Spencer unit at White Rose, opposite Primark. The space boasts a large children’s section for younger readers, and an extensive…

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Taste the sunshine: new street food stars hit Trinity Kitchen

Trinity Kitchen comes alive for summer with an irresistible new lineup of culinary delights this Summer – from parmos to bao buns and crispy falafel bites. Guests visiting Trinity Kitchen can treat their tastebuds to an eclectic mix of mouthwatering street food from the likes of Shouk, Wagyu Lookin’ At?, Niko’s Comfort Kitchen, Fat Cat…

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