Leeds South Bank regeneration moves a step closer

Leeds City Council has formally adopted the masterplan for the regeneration of the South Bank in the city centre.

The South Bank regeneration aims to double the size and economic impact of Leeds city centre by delivering 35,000 jobs and 8,000 new homes.

More than 3,800 homes are now either complete or being built in the area, with an additional 3,000 in the planning process.

The document is the ‘shared vision’ of Leeds City Council working in collaboration with landowners, stakeholders and local businesses and has been shaped by a public consultation which attracted more than 32,000 responses.

The document will help guide investors and developers on appropriate growth opportunities and will set the context for funding bids to further support new developments.

Included are plans for Leeds Station, which would see it remodelled as a ‘world-class gateway and transport interchange’ featuring high-speed rail for the city and the wider Leeds City Region.

The areas around the station are to be transformed with public spaces including a new city park, with a revitalised waterfront and strong connections with local communities in and around the South Bank.

The South Bank is developing a reputation for digital and creative industries, while more than 10,000 students study in the South Bank every day in the new educational hub.

Leeds City Council executive member for regeneration, transport and planning Councillor Richard Lewis said:

‘The shared vision for the South Bank is for it to be a place not only for people to live, learn, work, create and spend time but also for it to be a leading economic driver for Leeds and beyond and a place of global significance for business and investors.

‘It has been very much shaped by what people told us in the consultation, so again we’d like to thank everyone who took the time to get involved and give us their thoughts.

‘This Supplementary Planning Document sets down key elements to be followed when making all major planning decisions for the area, so together with the station masterplan this step is an important one to help ensure the vision is realised for the benefit of everyone in Leeds and the wider region.’

Read more about the South Bank project here.