Leeds lays out regeneration plans in bid for over £100m in funding

Leeds City Council has laid out ambitious proposals in six constituency bids for £120.8m of Levelling Up funding to create positive change for communities in the area.

Council leaders have said they wish to invest in parks, transport infrastructure, high streets and local economies across six constituencies yet to receive any levelling up or towns deal funding.

For Leeds Central plans include changes to the Holbeck area, renewing local infrastructure, transforming the community centre, enhancing public and green spaces and retrofitting properties.

The existing Fearnville Leisure Centre will be renovated into a 6000 m² wellbeing centre serving deprived communities, while in Elmet and Rothwell linked habitats will be connected along the River Aire will be established.

Cllr Helen Hayden, executive member for infrastructure and climate, said: ‘The six bids that we have submitted to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, offer a unique opportunity for the department to deliver meaningful transformation, driving economic growth forward and tackling health and wellbeing inequalities.

‘As a council we are committed to working with the government on all six projects to help transform local areas and I believe all six projects will if successful will make a real difference to residents across Leeds.’

North West Leeds is set to get two linked projects investing in transport infrastructure to unlock the benefits of the 90 acre North West Leeds employment hub site.

Leeds West will see five parks improved, enhanced active travel connections and a revitalised high street in Armley, while active travel options will also be improved in North East Leeds.

Cllr James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: ‘We have put together six ambitious bids and they represent a real opportunity to build on the great work taking place across Leeds to regenerate our local communities, delivering 21st Century infrastructure and create meaningful jobs.

‘The scale and ambition of the bids also reflect the incredible amount of work put into their development and I must extend a sincere thank you to teams from Asset Management and Regeneration, Highways and Transportation, and Parks and Countryside along with their partners and consultants.’

Photo by Benjamin Elliott