INCREASED rent prices in Victoria Quarter, approaching the opening of Victoria Gate, have claimed their second independent casualty in the space of a month.
...it doesn’t bode well for the future of independents in the developing Victoria Quarter
In a handwritten note posted to their Facebook page and addressed to 'friends, customers & fellow coffee addicts', Opposite Cafe’s owner Lou announced that today marks the beginning of their final week in the VQ:
'It is with great sadness that I announce our final week in the lovely Victoria Quarter in Leeds. We will be packing up on Friday 26th August, so come down and say goodbye before we depart!'
Lou goes on to explain that 'extremely high proposed rents for the arcade that follow the opening of Victoria Gate' will make it difficult to economically justify renewing their lease, which is nearing its end.
She goes on to thank their customers and each of the staff, personally, who 'made the shop what it is over the years: approachable, fun, unpretentious and dedicated to serving excellent coffee'.
This news follows Filmore & Union's withdrawal from the Victoria Quarter last month, also stating high proposed rents as the reason for their departure.
If rent on just a tiny stand in the VQ is pricey enough to drive a popular cafe like Opposite out of operation, it doesn’t bode well for the future of independents in the developing Victoria Quarter.
(Opposite Cafe will still operate from their shops at 26 Blenheim Terrace in the City Centre, and 4 Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton.)
